Gone Girl, the bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn and its subsequent film adaptation, draws inspiration from various real-life events rather than a single true story. While there isn’t a direct case that it is based on, aspects of the narrative reflect themes from multiple high-profile cases of missing persons and media frenzy.
The central plot involves a woman, Amy Dunne, who disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, leading to a media spectacle and public obsession with the case. This mirrors actual events like the disappearance of Elizabeth Smart and the highly publicized trials of Scott Peterson and Jodi Arias, where the media played a significant role in shaping public perception.
Flynn has mentioned in interviews that she was inspired by the complexities of marriage and the way the media often portrays such cases, blending fiction with the reality of societal dynamics. So, while not directly based on a singular true story, Gone Girl captures the essence of real-life relationships and the consequential nature of media coverage surrounding crime.