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Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone is a 2007 American crime drama film directed by Ben Affleck in his feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gone Baby Gone is a 2007 American crime drama film directed by Ben Affleck in his feature directorial debut. It is based on Dennis Lehane's 1998 novel and stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, and Ed Harris.

Plot

The film follows private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro as they search for a missing four-year-old girl in Boston. The investigation exposes crime, family dysfunction, and a morally complex decision at the centre of the story.

Production

Gone Baby Gone was directed by Ben Affleck and co-written by Affleck and Aaron Stockard. It was adapted from Dennis Lehane's novel Gone, Baby, Gone and marked Affleck's first feature as a director.

Cast

The principal cast includes Casey Affleck as Patrick Kenzie, Michelle Monaghan as Angie Gennaro, Morgan Freeman as Captain Jack Doyle, and Ed Harris as Detective Remy Bressant. Amy Ryan also appears in a key role as Amanda's mother.

Release and reception

The film was released in October 2007. Available sources describe it as well received by critics and note that it earned about $34 million worldwide.

Key facts

  • Ben Affleck made his feature directorial debut with the film.
  • The story centers on a missing child case in Boston.
  • The screenplay was adapted from Dennis Lehane's 1998 novel.
  • The film was released in 2007 and received generally positive critical reception.
  • It grossed about $34 million worldwide against a $19 million budget.
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Canadian context

The film was released and distributed internationally, including in Canada, and remains part of the wider North American crime-drama canon familiar to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who directed Gone Baby Gone?
Ben Affleck directed the film.
What is Gone Baby Gone based on?
It is based on Dennis Lehane's 1998 novel Gone, Baby, Gone.
Who stars in Gone Baby Gone?
The film stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, and Ed Harris.
When was Gone Baby Gone released?
It was released on October 19, 2007.
What genre is Gone Baby Gone?
It is generally classified as a crime drama and mystery thriller.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_Baby_Gone
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, screenplay, source novel, release date, budget, and worldwide box office.
  2. Turner Classic Movieshttps://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/647214/gone-baby-gone
    Supports: Plot overview, setting in Boston, source novel, and central moral dilemma.
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452623/
    Supports: Short plot description and general film identification.
  4. Wikipediahttps://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_Baby_Gone_(film)
    Supports: French-language corroboration of director, release year, and adaptation from Dennis Lehane's novel.