After a four year-old girl is kidnapped in a Boston suburb, her aunt (Amy Madigan) seeks out the help of a pair of private investigators who specialize in finding missing people. Although the police, led by Captain Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman) are running their own investigation, the aunt suspects something else may be going on. Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) jumps into the case immediately and figures that his status within the community could help uncover information the police might not be able to uncover. His partner, Angie Genarro (Michelle Monaghan), takes a more cautious approach, balancing out Patrick's hot-headed nature with an equal coolness.

As the two delve deeper into the case, they are met with stiff opposition from Captain Doyle, who considers the pair too inexperienced and undisciplined to take part in what is a serious matter. The pair also runs afoul of another pair of detectives (Ed Harris and John Ashton) who share Doyle's views. Even the girl's mother (Amy Ryan) proves to be an obstacle. Undaunted, Patrick and Angie continue to plow through the case, which ends up placing both through an emotional wringer filled with numerous twists and tough choices.

First off, Ben Affleck deserves props for his directorial debut. Sure, he hasn't made the best choices when it comes to choosing roles, but as a director, Affleck comes off as a seasoned pro. The script is already great and he manages to guide through the entire thing with a steady, skillful hand. Casey also deserves credit; while Ben seems to have found his place behind the camera, Casey easily proves that he belongs in front of it.

If there are any problems with Gone Baby Gone, it is the script. Though it does a great job at building up tension, it doesn't do that great a job at holding onto that tension until the big reveal. Everything peaks just a little too early, so you're always just one step ahead of everyone else. Similar to a poker game, everyone has their own little "tells" that, once you figure them out, give away everything prematurely. At times, it feels like the film is trying to keep viewers in suspense and guessing, while at the same time making things as transparent as possible so it doesn't lose them.

Though the plot has a few issues, Gone Baby Gone is ultimately a character-driven film, which is what makes it enjoyable.

The movie is supplemented by the usual features, like deleted scenes, commentary from both director Ben Affleck and writer Aaron Stockard, and behind-the-scenes features. The commentary was what eventually sold me on Affleck as a director; the commentary is precise, to-the-point, and shows insight into his thought process. Outside of a feature that goes over the casting process and a guided tour of Boston, the more interesting extra is the Blu-Ray exclusive extended ending - though you'll have to see the movie in order to fully grasp what makes it so interesting.