"Have You Seen Andy" is a compelling documentary that delves into the haunting story of the disappearance of Andy Puglisi, a young boy from Lawrence, Massachusetts. Directed by Melanie Perkins, the film takes an intimate look at the impact of Andy's disappearance on his family, friends, and the community, while also shedding light on the broader issue of child abduction.

1. Introduction:
"Have You Seen Andy?" is a thought-provoking documentary film that delves into the dark and
painful subject of child abduction. Directed by filmmaker Melanie Perkins, the movie takes
viewers on an emotional journey, exploring the heart-wrenching story of Andy Puglisi, an
innocent young boy who was tragically abducted in 1976. With a gripping narrative and intimate
interviews, the film sheds light on the devastating effects of such a heinous crime on both the
victim and their loved ones.
Synopsis:
The film chronicles the life of Andy Puglisi, an outgoing and happy child growing up in
Lawrence, Massachusetts. The viewer is introduced to Andy's family and friends, who fondly
recall his vibrant personality and infectious laughter. Through personal interviews and home
videos, the documentary provides an intimate glimpse into Andy's life, highlighting the love and
warmth that surrounded him.
However, the tone shifts dramatically when the film reveals the day Andy vanished. The movie
meticulously reconstructs the events surrounding his disappearance, offering chilling details and
firsthand accounts from those who were involved in the search efforts. Perkins skillfully
combines interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and community members
to create a comprehensive narrative that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats.
As the investigation unfolds, the film explores the heart-wrenching impact of Andy's abduction
on his family and the community at large. Perkins paints a portrait of a town united in grief and
determined to bring Andy home. The documentary showcases the tireless efforts of volunteers

2. and law enforcement, their relentless pursuit of justice, and the emotional toll it takes on
everyone involved.
Through powerful interviews with Andy's family, "Have You Seen Andy?" captures the enduring
pain and longing for closure. It delves into the psychological and emotional scars that the
tragedy inflicted upon them, providing a raw and honest account of the aftermath of a child
abduction.
In addition to the personal narratives, the film addresses broader societal issues surrounding
child abduction. It raises awareness about the importance of community vigilance and the
devastating consequences of failing to protect the most vulnerable members of society. By
highlighting the profound impact of Andy's abduction on his family, the documentary serves as a
call to action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
"Have You Seen Andy?" is a powerful and deeply affecting documentary that shines a spotlight
on the lasting devastation caused by child abduction. Through its intimate storytelling and raw
emotional portrayal, the film not only honors the memory of Andy Puglisi but also serves as a
catalyst for change. By engaging viewers with its compelling narrative, it prompts important
conversations about child safety and the collective responsibility to protect our children.
Perkins's documentary stands as a poignant reminder that the fight against child abduction
requires ongoing vigilance and unwavering determination.
Positive or negative side of the movies
Positive Side of "Have You Seen Andy?":
Gripping and Emotional Storytelling: "Have You Seen Andy?" masterfully captures the
audience's attention through its compelling and emotional storytelling. The film effectively
conveys the devastating impact of child abduction on both the victim and their loved ones,
eliciting empathy and creating a deep emotional connection with viewers.
Insightful Exploration of the Aftermath: The documentary provides a nuanced exploration of
the aftermath of a child abduction. By presenting interviews with Andy's family and community
members, the film offers valuable insights into the long-lasting psychological and emotional
effects that such a tragedy has on individuals and communities, raising awareness and
promoting understanding.
Humanizes the Victims: Through personal interviews and home videos, "Have You Seen Andy?"
humanizes the victim, Andy Puglisi. The film portrays Andy as a vibrant, lovable child, making
his abduction all the more poignant and heartrending. This approach fosters empathy and
reminds viewers of the real people behind such tragic events.
Raises Awareness and Promotes Dialogue: The documentary serves as a powerful tool for
raising awareness about the prevalence of child abduction and its devastating consequences.

3. By shedding light on this issue, the film encourages important conversations about child safety,
community vigilance, and the collective responsibility to protect vulnerable children.
Negative Side of "Have You Seen Andy?":
Emotionally Challenging Subject Matter: "Have You Seen Andy?" delves into an emotionally
challenging and distressing subject matter. The film may be difficult to watch for those sensitive
to themes of child abduction, causing distress or discomfort.
Limited Focus on Investigation: Some viewers may find that the film places relatively less
emphasis on the investigative aspects of the case. While it offers a comprehensive account of
the impact on Andy's family and the community, it may leave those seeking more in-depth
information about the investigative process wanting.
Potentially Disturbing Content: Due to the nature of the film's subject matter, certain scenes and
descriptions may be disturbing or unsettling for some viewers. It is important for viewers to be
aware of their emotional well-being and personal boundaries when engaging with the
documentary.
Lack of Diverse Perspectives: While "Have You Seen Andy?" presents the perspectives of
Andy's family, friends, and law enforcement officials, it may not encompass a wide range of
diverse voices or perspectives related to child abduction. Some viewers may feel that additional
perspectives could have enriched the documentary and provided a more comprehensive
exploration of the issue.
It is worth noting that the negative aspects mentioned above are subjective and may vary
depending on individual preferences and sensitivities. Overall, "Have You Seen Andy?" remains
a powerful and impactful documentary that raises awareness about the devastating effects of
child abduction and inspires important conversations about child safety and protection.
Conclusion
"Have You Seen Andy?" is a haunting and powerful documentary that leaves a lasting impact on
its viewers. Through its emotional storytelling and intimate interviews, the film brings to light the
harrowing reality of child abduction and its far-reaching consequences.
The documentary successfully humanizes the victim, Andy Puglisi, by portraying him as a
vibrant and beloved child. This approach deepens the emotional connection with the audience,
making his abduction all the more heartbreaking. By shedding light on the lasting psychological
and emotional effects of such a tragedy, the film fosters empathy and understanding.
One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to raise awareness and prompt important
conversations about child safety and community vigilance. It serves as a powerful tool for
educating the public about the prevalence of child abduction and the urgent need for collective

4. action to protect vulnerable children. "Have You Seen Andy?" compels viewers to reflect on their
own roles and responsibilities in safeguarding the well-being of children in their communities.
While the film primarily focuses on the personal impact of Andy's abduction, it could benefit from
a more extensive exploration of the investigative aspects of the case. Additionally, some viewers
may find the subject matter emotionally challenging or potentially disturbing due to the
distressing nature of the content.
Nevertheless, "Have You Seen Andy?" is an important and thought-provoking documentary that
amplifies the voices of victims and their families, shedding light on a dark and pervasive issue in
society. It serves as a call to action, urging viewers to remain vigilant, support prevention efforts,
and work together to create a safer environment for children.
Ultimately, "Have You Seen Andy?" encourages us to remember and honor the victims of child
abduction, while challenging us to be active participants in protecting and nurturing the
innocence of our children. By sharing their stories, we can raise awareness, create meaningful
change, and strive for a future where no child has to ask, "Have you seen me?"