Gone: The Disappearance of Aeryn Gillern

"Gone: The Disappearance of Aeryn Gillern" is a poignant and powerful documentary released in 2011 by director Gretchen Morning and producer John Morning. The film is a detailed investigation into the baffling disappearance of Aeryn Gillern, a well-respected U.N. worker and former Mr. Gay Austria. But more than that, it also paints a profound portrait of a mother's relentless pursuit for the truth in the face of bureaucratic indifference, lack of transparency, and veiled prejudice in a foreign land.

In the starring role is Kathryn Gilleran, a retired police officer from Upstate New York, who plays herself. Her performance is noteworthy for its strength, rawness, and touching vulnerability. Gilleran's finest moments are usually those that highlight her dogged determination to seek justice for her son, Aeryn. Her motherly love, displayed passionately onscreen, is what drives the twists and turns of the story plot and provides the movie with its emotional core.

The central plot narrates the unfortunate and mysterious disappearance of her son, Aeryn, on the night of October 29th, 2007. Aeryn was a model United Nations employee and a highly respected colleague, friend, and ambitious former Mr. Gay Austria. He disappeared under mysterious circumstances from a prominent Vienna steam bath, popularly seen as a safe space for the gay community.

The film follows Kathryn as she journeys to Austria to unravel the mystery behind her beloved son's absence. Despite her being a stranger in an unfamiliar land, Kathryn is steadfast in her pursuit of justice. Armed with her son's journal and her police background to aid her investigation, Kathryn uncovers, piece by piece, the murky details surrounding her son's disappearance.

In "Gone: The Disappearance of Aeryn Gillern", the audience gets a closer look at the bureaucratic red tape faced by Kathryn as she navigates the complex Austrian police system to find answers. Themes of homophobia, discrimination, bureaucratic disinterest, and negligence are brought to harsh light as Gilleran meets a seeming wall of resistance at every turn. The documentary brilliantly sheds light on these widespread issues, therefore going beyond just a personal narrative to serve as a critique of systemic failures and prejudices.

The documentary is equally brilliant in its use of aesthetics, which adds layers to the storytelling. The visuals, including the cinematography, are handled with an adept hand, lining every frame with a sense of urgency and an eye for detail. Meanwhile, the soundtrack sets the atmosphere—yet another proof of Morning's talented direction.

"Gone: The Disappearance of Aeryn Gillern" can make the audience feel a variety of emotions, from tangible fear and empathy to indignation and hope. This powerful film enlightens us about this harrowing yet relentless pursuit of truth and justice, human spirit, and the systemic shackles we need to overcome as a society.

Simultaneously, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equality by the LGBTQ+ community in various parts of the world where prejudices are still rampant. As such, the movie has a broad appeal, with its audience ranging from those interested in true crime and human rights advocacy to anyone moved by a compelling story of a mother's love and determination.

Although "Gone: The Disappearance of Aeryn Gillern" may not provide a comforting resolution, the power it holds is undeniable. This hard-hitting documentary will stay with you, leaving a mark and sparking conversations about the importance of resilience, acceptance, and justice. It is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of film to push boundaries and provoke thoughts.