If you’ve ever seen the 2014 thriller Unfriended, which featured a supernatural entity terrorizing a gang of teenage bullies online through keeping them logged in under penalty of death, it’ll basically be impossible not to think of it while watching writer/director Aneesh Chaganty’s Searching. Like the prior horror film, it employs a similar “internet” theme. There are practically no “natural” shots in its runtime- all of the characters, if they’re not displayed in web footage, are either on smartphone camera or newscast recordings.
However, both films are executed quite differently, and overall I’d say Searching not only has a stronger and more detailed mystery to follow, its leads are a lot more likable and easier for the audience to get behind. Whereas Unfriended is a revenge fantasy, this is a story about a decent person caught in a bad situation, employing some out-of-nowhere detective skills, and reflecting on the nature of their relationship with their child.
John Cho plays Daniel Kim, a widowed father raising his teenage daughter Margot (Michelle La). Before the story reaches the present day, we’re introduced to the family through home movies over their computer, which are charmingly funny, endearing and eventually heartbreaking. There’s an eerily similarity to Pixar’s Up as we watch first school days, first piano lessons, wilderness jogs and Daniel’s late wife Pamela’s (Sara Sohn) illness. Today, Dan voice mails Margot to not forget the trash this time.
Unfortunately, she seems to have neglected trash duty again, but Daniel doesn’t think too much of it, as she might simply be staying over a friend’s house. But he’s understandably when Margot doesn’t call in the next day after school, and realizes he doesn’t know much about Margot’s social life at all- including the fact she had quit piano practice months ago, and she’s withdrawn a huge chunk of cash from her account for unknown reasons. He begins to fear the worst- has she run away, been kidnapped, or assaulted? Was it a suicide attempt?
Debra Messing has a great presence and demeanor as Rosemary Vick, a detective appointed to the Kim family’s case when Daniel has no other choice to contact authorities. The whereabouts of Margot’s car alerts the press, and the ordeal causes Daniel not only to slowly become more paranoid and lose his composure, but to also figure out how to reconnect with Margot in the wake of their tragic loss. Even Dan’s brother Peter (Joseph Lee), who initially seems like a laid-back stoner at first glance, isn’t immune from suspicion.
Searching is more than the title of a cool Luther Vandross song. It’s also an ominous, intriguing and often poignant roller coaster ride of a movie, and John Cho’s performance is a good reason as to why. He knows how to project the right amount of warmth as a father, and also lend enough ferocity and urgency to Daniel when needed. There are points where his character will both make you mad and break your heart, and it all feels earned.
I can recall maybe one or two moments where my audience chuckled at a character revealing an embarrassing secret online for comic relief, but this movie keeps its focus squarely where it’s needed, and it becomes more intense as it goes. When Dan misses a crucial phone call one night, the multi-colored screen saver over the black computer background is strangely unnerving, and from there we know something’s gone horribly wrong.
On top of Chagnaty’s clever use of the events within pre-recorded digital footage, he knows how to keep events exciting with not just different variations of the recordings, but some interesting plot twists. Your mileage may vary as to how the conclusion unfolds, but I felt it was an interesting climax to a worthwhile and engaging story.
Overall, I’d say Searching is a captivating search story with some interesting ideas about modern technology. Even though Daniel is obviously a couple of generations behind Margot, the writing genuinely understands the modern world. The internet would, of course, be an ideal location for clues for a missing person case in 2018- so all of the events, as crazy as they are, are still nevertheless believable.
I can strongly recommend this film, it’s entertaining and affecting in a variety of ways with some great performances. If you’d had the chance the check it out, hit us up on @Official_FAN on Twitter and let us know your feelings!