Netflix's true crime series Missing: Dead or Alive has sparked debate among viewers about whether parts of the show are scripted or re-enacted. The second season, released recently, follows the Missing Persons Unit of the Richland County Sheriff's Department in South Carolina.
The documentary-style programme features real officers and genuine cases, but some viewers have noted a dramatic, cinematic quality that differs from traditional reality police shows. On Reddit, one user commented: 'I think it's a mix of reenacting and a doc crew following them around that's just got more cinematic equipment.' Another added: 'There's definitely voice overs added to B-roll.'
Lead officer Deputy Vicki Rains has stated that everything was filmed as it happened. In an interview, she said: 'I wanted to make sure the public got to see exactly what we really do. So everything was filmed real. They followed our cases and they didn't change how we do our job.'
The series is directed by Alex Irvine-Cox, known for using advanced technology to create immersive experiences, which may explain its unique aesthetic. While some scenes, such as Vicki at home, contribute to the narrative, it remains unclear whether they were scripted.
