“Searching 2018” is a thriller about a father’s desperate search for his missing daughter. The movie is told entirely through computer screens, giving it a unique and tense perspective. As the tech-savvy father delves deeper into his daughter’s online life, he uncovers secrets and lies that threaten to destroy his family. With twists and turns at every corner, “Searching 2018” keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
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Review
Have you ever thought about the amount of information that is stored in our digital devices? Our phones, laptops, and tablets contain a vast array of personal data that has become a part of our daily life. From photos to emails, messages to social media accounts, we rely heavily on these devices. However, what if all those digital traces left by us could be used to solve a crime? That’s exactly what happens in the highly acclaimed movie “Searching.”
“Searching” is a 2018 American thriller film directed by Aneesh Chaganty and produced by Timur Bekmambetov. The movie explores the story of a father’s search for his missing daughter in an intricate cyber world. John Cho plays David Kim, an overprotective father who discovers that his 16-year-old daughter Margot (Michelle La) has gone missing.
The film’s unique approach to storytelling is through the use of computer screens and smartphone cameras, which gives it a modern twist. The film is shot entirely from the perspective of technology and it navigates through David’s journey by piecing together data from social media platforms, search engines, text messages and more.
The movie starts with an emotional intro sequence where David Kim’s wife Pam (Sara Sohn) dies from cancer. This loss scars both David and Margot leading them down different paths. After one seemingly uneventful night, David discovers his daughter has vanished without any explanation.
David goes against the police investigation’s theories over Margot’s disappearance – suggesting she may have just run away – as he believes there is something more sinister going on. He follows digital clues left behind by Margot on all her gadgets during his quest for answers.
As he delves into Margot’s online profiles, digital footprints and private chats with friends, he uncovers secrets he never knew about his daughter before she went missing.
The entire film takes place online which makes it an absolute technological masterpiece. One moment you can be on iMessage with Margot, the next sending emails to the detective working on her case. The storyline never keeps you waiting as David’s anxiety and panic rise with each passing moment that Margot remains missing.
The film’s score was produced by Torin Borrowdale who did a remarkable job in bringing life to the film. It’s chilling when it needs to be, suspenseful when it wants to be, and harrowing at points. The score compliments the film so well that one cannot separate both.
“Searching” features a small cast of actors but their performances were top-notch. John Cho gave a performance that was passionate and captivating, making us feel for his character while Michelle La, who played Margot Kim, was equally impressive. She managed to convey an emotional story through posthumous videos while simultaneously keeping us invested in her character.
The movie was critically acclaimed and even won numerous awards including The Sundance Film Festival Audience Award and The LA Asian Pacific Film Festival Grand Jury Prize for Oustanding North American Feature Film.
“Searching” is a movie that beautifully portrays the impact technology has had on our lives. As we continue to move forward in life with technology as our constant companion, “Searching” is here to remind us of how easy it is for information to be manipulated or misused.
What sets this movie apart from other thrillers is that it takes place entirely online. It presents a unique perspective and adds a modern touch which makes it all the more exciting.
In conclusion, “Searching” is an exceptionally well-executed thriller that not only surpasses your expectations but also manages to strike a very emotional chord while doing so.
“Every time I think I know everything about her she surprises me.” – David Kim
Technical Data
- Runtime : 102
- Release : 2018-08-24
- Genre : Thriller, Mystery, Drama
- Cast : John Cho as David Kim, Michelle La as Margot Kim, Debra Messing as Detective Vick, Joseph Lee as Peter, Sara Sohn as Pamela Nam Kim
- Crew : Erik Stabenau as Stunt Driver, Clea DuVall as Thanks, Gail Katz as Thanks, Timur Bekmambetov as Producer, Pat Healy as Thanks
- Popularity 21.743
- Budget : $1,000,000
- Revenue : $75,462,037
- Company : Stage 6 Films, Screen Gems, Bazelevs Entertainment
- Summary : After David Kim’s 16-year-old daughter goes missing, a local investigation is opened and a detective is assigned to the case. But 37 hours later and without a single lead, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter’s laptop.
- Tagline : No one is lost without a trace.
