David Kim becomes
desperate when his 16-year-old daughter Margot disappears and an immediate
police investigation leads nowhere. He soon decides to search the one place
that no one else has -- Margot's laptop. Hoping to trace her digital
footprints, David contacts her friends and looks at photos and videos for any
possible clues to her whereabouts.
Director: Aneesh Chaganty
Cast: John Cho, Michelle
La, Debra Messing
Release Date: August 24, 2018
Rated PG-13 for thematic
content, some drug and sexual references, and for language
Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min.
Genres: Drama, Mystery,
Thriller
Review:
Searching is the type of
film that’s based off a gimmick. It’s
not the first film to occur entirely on a computer screen but it’s one of the
best. First time director Aneesh
Chaganty unfurls and impressively crafted mystery that’s entirely
engrossing. It’s hard to watch the film
and not appreciate the effort and planning involved to create such a detailed
and layered story using only computer screens.
John Cho is the heart of the film with his performance being the life
blood that drives the entire endeavor.
Cho delivers a subtle measured performance that works perfectly for his
character. There’s an air of
authenticity to his turn that grounds the film and helps you forget the gimmick
quickly. Debra Messing and Michelle La
are both solid in supporting roles.
Messing is a tad robotic for my taste but it’s a small issue once the
twist and turns really start unwinding in the film’s final act. Searching is the type of film that is
impressive on multiple levels and announces the arrival of Aneesh Chaganty as a
fascinating director.
B+
