Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

It's every parent's worst nightmare.  Your child cheerfully waves goodbye.  And he never comes home.  I just can not imagine the pain and torture this would cause any parent.  Based on a true story, Without A Trace follows a mother as she lives through this very nightmare. 

Susan (Kate Nelligan) waves goodbye to 6-year-old Alex as he heads to school.  When he doesn't come home at his usual time, she's naturally concerned.  When he's still not home hours later, her concern turns to terror.  The police, led by Judd Hirsch, do all they can to try to piece together what might have happened. But months later, the trail is cold, and the police have turned their attention to other matters.  But a mother will never give up - not when her son has disappeared - without a trace.

I thought the performances were terrific.  Nelligan was extremely believable as the mother who refused to give up hope, regardless if those around her appear to have "moved on".   David Dukes, as her estranged husband, was also terrific.  And Judd Hirsch held his own as a policeman haunted by a seemingly cold case, but unable to focus on it when so many other matters require his attention.  Stockard Channing also stars, as Susan's best friend.  I liked her role very much, particularly a poignant scene where she acts the way friends tend to act - saying things she thinks will be helpful, but which only cause pain if the recipient's not ready to hear the advice.

This movie was made in the 1980's.  Sure, it's a bit dated today.  Today, you probably don't let your 6-year-old walk to school by himself.  But back then, it was common practice.  And, of course, there are ways to investigate crimes today that weren't around back then.  But the terror of not knowing the fate of your child is the same - I don't care what decade it is.  A mother's pain, the terror, and the inability to "get over it" came through this movie perfectly, regardless of the film's age.

This movie is based on a real story, but the movie's ending is completely different from the real case.  And it's the movie's ending that is its worst part.  Rushed to the point of ridiculous.  Why they couldn't take an extra 5 or 10 minutes to really finish the story is beyond me.  Why such a beautiful film should end on such a bad note, I just can't figure out.

With wonderful performances, and a story that is guaranteed to break your heart, I can easily recommend this movie.  But it's a shame that the ending was such a disappointment. 

Recommended: Yes