Review of Searching (2018) by Margaret S — 04 Dec 2018

While not as original as many have claimed it to be, considering the pair of Unfriended movies which came out in the last 5 years, Searching utilises its entirely on-screen format in the best possible way.

The kidnapping concept is nothing new, but with the frantic search taking place entirely on computer monitors, phone screen, CCTV cameras etc, it does truly bring the genre into the 21st century. It's great to see John Cho, the infamous MILF guy from American Pie, being given the chance to spread his wings and take a stab at heavy drama, and he does a great job.

He rarely goes over the top, and mostly internalises his anguish, allowing the moments when he loses his cool to seem much more authentic. The film has a real sense of escalating tension, and much like 12 Angry Men, it involves you in trying to solve the case, giving you the puzzle pieces to put together.

I wouldn't rush to watch it again, since a mystery film is never the same on the second viewing, but it's still a great watch, and sets the standard for films based entirely on screens and monitors, something I imagine we'll be seeing a lot more of in the near future.