Lifetime continues its tradition of psychological thrillers with THE BOY WHO VANISHED, a suspense-filled movie that blends family drama with chilling mystery. Directed by Christie Will Wolf, the film tells the story of Haley Reese (played by Tegan Moss), a mother who reunites with her long-lost son Jack (portrayed by Aiden Howard) after ten years. As Jack’s strange behavior brings up unsettling questions, what starts out as a happy homecoming quickly turns into doubt, fear, and suspicion. Is he really her son, or is there something much worse going on?
As Haley’s husband Richard Reese, Matthew Kevin Anderson plays him and Jesse Moss plays Michael Conner. Grace Beedie plays Summer. Each performance is deeply connected to the creepy story of the movie. Behind the actors are some of the most memorable parts of the movie. Another memorable character is the beautiful setting where the movie was shot.
WHERE WAS ‘THE BOY WHO VANISHED’ FILMED?
The movie THE BOY WHO VANISHED was shot entirely in Kelowna, Canada, which is a beautiful city in British Columbia. The scary story came to life between the first and third week of February 2025, with real-life locations and studios being used. . Director Christie Will Wolf praised her experience working with the Kelowna crew and shared a heartfelt message on social media. She wrote, “Some riveting, emotionally raw performances I had the privilege to direct… Every frame was composed with elegance and instinct—it was a dream collaboration. To my entire crew in Kelowna, BC—you are experts, artists, and absolute legends. I love you. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
Her praise highlights the creative synergy between the cast, crew, and location that helped elevate the film’s tense, emotional storytelling.
KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
This city is in the middle of the Okanagan Valley and is known for having both natural and urban charm. The city is on the shores of Okanagan Lake and makes for a beautiful but creepy setting for a suspenseful movie—like THE BOY WHO VANISHED. The creepy mood of the movie was heightened by using real places in and around Kelowna—such as its snow-covered streets—forested landscapes and lakefront views.
The natural winter setting of the city was a big part of making the movie feel cold and mysterious. The snow, which was in several outdoor scenes—was a visual representation of how far away and uncertain Haley and Jack felt emotionally. These atmospheric images weren’t made with CGI; they were actually taken in Kelowna during the winter.
STUDIO WORK IN KELOWNA
While many scenes were filmed in natural locations, the production may have also utilized indoor settings and soundstage facilities when a controlled environment was required. Kelowna is home to Kelowna Film Studios, located at 100-1516 Keehn Road, which offers approximately 3,000 square feet of production space. This facility is fully equipped with state-of-the-art production tools and is frequently used by film crews needing custom-built sets or green screen effects.
Such flexibility allowed the crew to film intimate and emotionally intense scenes away from the harsh winter outdoors while maintaining consistency in the film’s tone.
WHY KELOWNA IS A FILMMAKER’S DREAM
Kelowna’s beauty isn’t just appealing to filmmakers. More and more people are starting to know that the area is a great place to film TV movies, especially romance, drama, and thrillers. . Lifetime, Hallmark, and other networks have previously used the Okanagan Valley for several productions. The region’s mix of mountainous terrain, forested trails, and modern architecture allows for a variety of storytelling possibilities.
In addition to its stunning visuals, Kelowna offers production-friendly logistics—from local talent pools and equipment rentals to production services and a supportive municipal film office.
OTHER NOTABLE LOCATIONS AROUND KELOWNA
• Kelowna has a lot to offer visitors and filmmakers looking for new projects besides the scenes from THE BOY WHO VANISHED:
• Okanagan Lake – A central landmark, perfect for quiet reflection or moody shots.
• Knox Mountain Park – Offers panoramic views of the city and lake; a favorite for outdoor scenes.
• Big White Ski Resort— It is close by and great for snow-filled sequences..
• The Kasugai Japanese Garden is a peaceful haven in the middle of the city that combines art and nature.
• CedarCreek Estate Winery and Gray Monk Estate Winery – These wineries offer both rustic and elegant scenery for scenes of love or luxury.
Not only do movies use these beautiful locations as backgrounds, but so do locals and tourists who come to the area for the wine, ski slopes, and lively arts scene.
THE FUTURE OF FILMING IN KELOWNA
Kelowna’s reputation as a place to film keeps growing thanks to the success of made-for-TV movies like THE BOY WHO VANISHED. Because the city has a wide range of landscapes, up-to-date infrastructure and a growing creative community, it is both a practical and artistic choice for producers. Lifetime and other production companies are looking for places to film other than Vancouver and Toronto. Kelowna is about to become one of the best options.
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