Review of Searching (2018) by Davrosdaleks1 — 02 Sep 2018

This film stars John Cho as a widowed man searching for his missing daughter. Everything is told through a computer screen, especially video chat, newsfeeds, and phone calls.

When I saw the trailer to this, I was on the fence. This was basically the same gimmick used for the horror movie Unfriended. I was worried about how much more you can do with the format. Interestingly, these two films are from the same producer. Listened to a podcast interviewing him. He thinks that-first-person films are the wave of the future. Although, I don't know if this can survive long-term, I am so glad this was made. Unfriended actually proved to be the testing ground for this format. The technique is far more self-assured. Not once did things feel awkward. The opening montage, sort-of-an-equivalent to the opening of Up, is especially well done. The format really focuses on the little things, like how you understand the characters' views from stuff like hovering the cursor over an image or editing a message before they send it or and just miscellaneous comments on social media. Unlike Unfriended, this film utilizes background music. Fans of cinema verite may feel it pulls away from the experience, but I thought it really helped set the mood.

The script is really good. The revelations, twists, set up, and pacing are all quite well-thought out.

Acting is fine too. However, it is John Cho who carries the brunt of the film, and he absolutely nails it as a desperate father.

Searching is a finely made mystery and offers something a little different. Highly recommended.