Shivangi Sinha
Lifetime’s ‘The Prep School Disappearance’ unfolds at an elite art prep school, beginning with a shocking event when a student mysteriously vanishes. Her teacher is concerned and believes it is not normal and she starts investigating. She discovers a sketchbook filled with bizarre, eerie drawings of an unknown girl. The mystery deepens when another girl, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the sketches, arrives at the school and hints that she knows more than she’s revealing. Convinced that the disappearance is only the tip of the iceberg, the teacher uncovers a web of secrets and lies lurking beneath the surface. Directed by Alexandre Carrière, this thriller keeps viewers on edge and immerses them in a world of suspense and intrigue.
The Prep School Disappearance Explores the Reality of Missing Students From Schools
‘The Prep School Disappearance’ is not based on any actual events, but screenwriter Richard Pierce has crafted a fantastical story that enchants audiences. While the plot is fictional, it does not negate the presence of truths of the world. The film explores student-teacher relationships and the complex dynamics within small, tightly-knit communities where answers are often elusive and secrets abound. Though dramatized for suspense, many elements feel grounded in reality and seemingly draw inspiration from situations where educators care deeply for their students and communities grapple with small tensions.
Although prep schools are generally seen as safe, there have been instances of students going missing. Like the girl who goes missing from such a school in the film, one such real case is that of Daniel Ted Yuen. He is a 16-year-old from Edison, New Jersey, who disappeared from the CEDU School, a therapeutic boarding school in California, on February 8, 2004. Daniel had reportedly been struggling with his mental health following a breakup, and his parents enrolled him at CEDU based on professional guidance. Despite expressing reluctance and fear of other students, he remained at the school. On the morning of his disappearance, Daniel left campus, claiming he was buying cigarettes. He took no personal belongings or ID and never returned. Investigations, including possible sightings, have yielded no conclusive evidence. CEDU later closed amid abuse allegations. As of 2025, Daniel remains missing, with his family continuing to seek information about his well-being.
The Movie Fictionalizes the Witnessed Advocacy and Support That Teachers Provide
Teachers have long been vigilant advocates for their students, raising concerns when they notice issues affecting well-being, fairness, or access to education. In The Prep School Disappearance, a teacher’s concern over a student’s safety reflects this broader reality and is not unusual in schools. A real-life example is the 2023 incident at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where students planned a Black History Month program highlighting slavery, segregation, and civil rights. School administrators censored key parts, prompting senior Jamiyah Brown and over 200 students to walk out in protest against systemic racism. Teachers in the school, aware of the inequities and students’ frustration, supported their advocacy, demonstrating how educators have historically stood up for student rights and well-being.
The film amplifies many plot points to their extremes, and with its spooky drawings and gray-toned backdrop, it creates a mystical atmosphere that feels improbable in the real world. Yet, what makes it compelling is how it still resonates on an emotional level. Many viewers will recognize the feelings it portrays, as most people have had teachers who left a lasting impact, shaping them into who they are today. The protagonist’s role evokes memories of that one person who truly saw them when no one else did, making the story relatable despite its fantastical and suspenseful trappings.
Read More: Is Lifetime’s No One Believed Me Based on a True Story?
