Wow. Never has a movie kept me at the edge of my seat and guessing the whole time. Just wow, the story-telling-through-a-computer concept just makes it a hundred times better. An absolute must for everyone, specially thriller/mystery fans.
Really great film. Loved the concept and the fact that all the clues where right there all along.
The movie is simply sensational! The script is great, the acting is good and the direction is flawless.
The fact that this story is told entirely on screens is pretty amazing. There are no cheats that I picked up on. Everything is shown on a laptop, phone, television, camera, and it's kind of fun to see how the Dad sifts though clues to try to find his daughter.
Hearing a lot of the hype got me really geared up to watch this but the story was really not very interesting and I thought the reveal of what happened to his daughter was kind of a stretch. There was one false alarm about 2/3rds of the way through that would have been a more interesting (albeit, disgusting) explanation for her disappearance.
Overall, this was good but duller than the word of mouth about the movie led me to believe.
I was not expecting this to be as intense as it was. Like, it was Taken-level intense, and the main character never really gets more involved in the search than browsing his daughter's search history.
If you were to strip away the "all told through a computer screen" aspect, it would just be a mediocre Taken rip-off with no action. Instead, the viewer is forced to see only what our main character sees (minus the news broadcasts), leaving a lot more room for the audience to piece together clues from anything and everything shown on a screen (and there are a LOT of seemingly innocuous hints sprinkled masterfully throughout).
The storytelling is smart and so well done, especially the last fifteen minutes. Telling the story through various screens is more than just a gimmick; it elevates the story and connects us closer to this struggling dad (who almost doesn't feel like a character thanks to John Cho's great acting). The sense of dread hanging over the movie feels real, and I almost forgot I was watching a movie at some points.
If you like thrillers, even just a little bit, don't let this one fall to the bottom of your watchlist. Go see it.
Excellent concept through a laptop screen. Good build up to a thrilling ending. Kept me guessing all the way through. Well worth a watch. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: Happy ending as well. :grin:
The film begins with so much potential. As a modern incarnation of epistolary format the film should be a return to some of the truly classic thrillers of a century ago, but it too often accepts mediocrity when it should have pushed the boundaries The first half of the film builds into an interesting story-line (we don't know what's going to happen), but then we are hit over the heads with the rather clear direction that this film is headed. The twists don't make much sense and feel forced. Ultimately, the film is lacking in the very thing that we desperately want it to be...thrilling.
This is an example on how to do a movie in the "found footage" style well. The story is told through a computer screen mostly, but it is done so well that it doesn't get in the way of it, but rather helps it give some insight on what's going through the mind of the main characters. Several times in the movie you can see the main character type his thoughts into the imessage screen, only to erase the thought and nuance his words, like we all do :).
The only thing I can say about the story is that it takes a turn that borders on the absurd and after that it loses the momentum and tension the first half of the movie has. Also, they just had to make it a happy ending.
It's also nice to see John Cho in a movie like this. I've only ever seen him as the hilarious Chau in Off Centre and of course as Harold in the Harold & Kumar series, but it's good to see him taking on more serious roles.
This movie shook me to the core. I wasn't expecting to be glued to the screen from the beginning and crying like I cried when it ended. Definitely one of the best tech-criminal investigation plot driven thriller. So many twists and turns you're going to become paranoid yourself and doubt everything and everyone.
A risky gamble - to limit your story telling to images only accessible on a computer. And, a successful gamble it is. This is a good movie. The viewer is kept engaged going from one social medium to another guided by clever writing and a great mystery. I was drawn to see this film because of the unique filmmaking idea, wondering if they could pull it off. And, they did! Great story telling. Great performances. Congratulations! I give this film a 7 (good) out of 10. [Social Media Driven Crime Drama]
It has been said countless times but yes this is one of- if not the best usage of found footage ever, no shaky camera, not camera man yappin bullshit, but really smartly handled through just a computer screen. Searching unfolds beautifully the mystery of a lost girl, even with the usage of cliche elements the movie uses it's own twists to keep you guessing till the end. The mystery was intriguing but just something about it seemed "gimmicky" for some reason. It's still a solid take on the mystery found footage genre.
Best use of found footage i've seen! Extremely captivating, as captivating as a phone screen, I just couldn't look away. The mystery is cliché, yes but the way every single detail has a meaning is absolutely genius. I can't wait to rewatch it and be like: oh, that little detail is an easter egg for later! The pacing is perfect, it drops new info quite often so the mystery keeps you hungry for new development in the investigation.
I stopped counting the twists and turns, there's just so many, everytime you think you've figured it out there's a new twist that changes everything. The last twist kinda risked the integrity of the movie and made it somewhat unrealistic... but the final feeling it leaves you with once it's finished is what gives it warmth and rewatchability. Now, was there a more realistic way to do it? maybe, but it wouldn't be as thrilling and memorable.
I'm not a parent but I believe this would make a terrifying techno horror for any parent, you just never know what you're kid is doing on the web, and do you really know them?!
Terrible plot, but aesthetically well crafted
Searching is a film with two main organisational principles; there's the thriller plot, which ostensibly keeps everything moving, and to which everything else should, in theory, be in service. Then there's the aesthetic design, with the entire film taking place online, the images presented taking the form of what is seen on computer screens, iPhones, security cameras etc. One of these principles is exceptionally well handled, the other isn't, and it shouldn't take a genius to guess which is which. If we're being really honest, in fact, the plot becomes more and more incidental as the narrative progresses and ever more ludicrous flights of fancy are introduced, transposing the story from a search for a missing girl into a litany of clichés and melodrama. On the other hand, the main reason, indeed probably the only reason any of us saw the film at all is because of its unique visual schema, and thankfully, this aspect is realised with an impressive degree of craft. You know you're in reasonably secure territory when the filmmakers are self-aware enough to begin an online film depicting the latest in consumer technology with the sound of an old dial-up connection.
For my complete review, please visit: https://boxd.it/wabGP
I loved this movie. It’s one of the first movies I watched that was able to use social media as a medium and not make it cheesy. It’s exciting and fast-paced, with twists and turns throughout. Recommend highly.
What an amazing movie. I've had it on bluray since it came out but hadn't watched it till now. Lately I have trouble staying focused watching movies but this one had me captivated from start till finish.
"Searching" is undoubtedly a gripping thriller that masterfully keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, with suspense that builds steadily throughout the entire film, leaving audiences guessing at every turn. John Cho delivers a stellar performance, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor, and truly shines in his role, adding depth and authenticity to the character he portrays. Overall, "Searching" is a riveting cinematic experience that combines top-notch acting with a captivating storyline, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
I watched this with my friend and we were on the edge of our seats the whole time. We were constantly coming up with new theories while watching it. Movies like this that keep you guessing and still end up leaving you in shock are gems.
Every parent’s nightmare is for their child to go missing. In a world filled with predators who lurk disguised as would-be friends on social media sites, it is all too easy for a naïve youngster to get in over their heads in a situation that could prove to be dangerous.
David Kim (Cho) is a widower who hasn’t quite come to grips with the death of his wife and has become, in many ways, a helicopter parent, hovering over his daughter Margot (La) – the only family he has left other than his brother Peter (Lee) – to prevent the possibility of him losing her too. But when she doesn’t return home after an all-night study session and after some inquiries he discovers to his horror that she left the study session early, he calls the cops. Helpful detective Vick (Messing) gets his case and suggests he search through her laptop, which she had left at home (another ominous sign), to find out who she is close to and start contacting them.
The more David looks into his daughter’s online life, the more he realizes how little he really knew his daughter. With time ticking away and only a precious few clues as to her whereabouts to peruse, David grows more desperate.
The entire film is seen through laptop screens, smartphone screens, surveillance footage and news broadcast – very much a product of the 21st century. This could have been extremely gimmicky and towards the end it starts to feel that way, but first-time feature director Chaganty keeps things pretty fresh; he uses actual websites and apps in an effort to play to the target demographic who live their lives online. The problem with that is it is going to horribly date this movie in a matter of just a few years and it will lose its relevance quickly.
Still, Cho’s performance as a grieving husband and terrified father is universal and he is as good as I’ve ever seen him. The director’s point of how rather than being connected by the Internet, we have actually grown more isolated and fragmented, is well-taken. Unfortunately, all the good will the film builds up is nearly lost with a preposterous ending that will lead to much face-palming, even with the online crowd.
Searching is an intense and well-crafted found-footage crime thriller starring John Cho and Debra Messing. When his 16-year old daughter goes missing David Kim starts his own investigation to help the police by searching through all her online accounts and social networks, and is shocked to discover that he didn’t really know his daughter. Both Cho and Messing give strong performances and do a good job playing to the found footage medium. And the director does an impressive job at keeping the film moving and at using a variety of different apps and programs (Facebook, YouTube, Google Maps, etc.). However, there are times that the film pushes the bounds of believability and stretches a bit to have the entire story unfold through electronic media. Yet despite a few weaknesses, Searching is remarkably compelling.
Gimmicky to be sure, but it's still very well made. I enjoyed it, although I wasn't convinced by the outcome of the mystery. Still, if you're searching for a twisty little thriller, this might just fit the bill.
Amazing film. Very well done!
I was really amazed that they really did translate everything to german! Not only the spoken things but also all the text's, filenames, dates, programms, ...
A suprisingly effective film, given that the central premise of telling the story entirely through a laptop screen doesn’t suggest anything particularly memorable. That the film work so well says so much about how cleverly constructed the script is, but also it is to the credit of the filmmakers that they never try to break the central conceit to contrive a chase sequence or cheap scare. That they can also still make an effective thriller also says much about how technology and the internet dominate our lives and the film manages to offer much implied commentary on the state of our obsession with social media, 24 hour news cycles, and many other elements that come with living in our connected world.
This is one of those movies you start watching just to entertain a bit while cooking until it literally grabs you and makes you stop whatever else you're doing to stay alert. Happened to me, just like that.
Superbe montage et localisation, parfait. Bonne intrigue et tout ça du point de vue de la machine.
mind.blown.
This is a fantastic and so artistic movie with a unique approach. You actually look at a computer screen from the "inside" and the whole premise is so successful as you see how technology can really help and it is a vital part of our life now. The story unfolds in a excellent way and don't even think of searching and reading spoilers, the twists (yes plural) at the end are remarkable. A must see of 2018
beside the fact of being an apple commercial its quite ok.
Very nice movie. Good acting from John Cho. The ending is quite predictable but it does not matter. It will pass you a fine 1hr 40 min.
I didn't even know about this movie until 2 hours before the session. I saw it was showing on my local movie theather and went for it. Boy, am I happy with my decision! I really, really liked the route they took with this one, they not only managed to make the whole concept work but they sneaked a lot of satisfying "easter eggs". It is a serious movie with very serious message and a lot of connection with reality, but the way life with technology and internet is portrayed sometimes get you so off guard that you can't help but laugh. And, of course, the story is great with and a amazing third act.
Also, props to whoever translated that to portuguese. I was nervous it would ruin the movie when I saw that everything on the computer was translated, but it turns out they did an amazing job capturing the essence of the information and putting it in a way that would feel natural.
@nmahoney416 Did you notice the picture in the beginning of the movie with the father and daughter in front of the high school? The high school is the “home of the catfish” :)
An exciting thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Searching makes a big gamble: A big part of the movie is spent looking into a computer screen. The result however is astonishing! Do not miss it.
I wish I could forget ever having watched this just so I could experience it for the first time again.
Like most PG-13 offerings, Searching is just emmental: full of holes, cheesy and too much will make you queasy. And it's not really gouda.
The movie's not a total waste, however. The found footage aspect (the film is entirely presented through screen activity on mobile phones, laptops, desktops...) is well done and the actors often hit their marks.
The film's major drawbacks, however, are the ending, which we know as soon as we see the film's MPAA rating (no matter how clever they think they are at trying to convince us otherwise) and the WTFs, like the police don't check a missing teen's text messages and no one has ever heard of catfishing .
Hey, if the film isn't going to give me any credit, I'm certainly not above doing the same.
A brilliant and wonderfully executed approach to a who done it story. So many twists that I definitely didn't see coming. Thrilling and surprisingly emotional. Definitely one of few movies I would annoyingly recommend to people.
Damn, I sure hope David was able to retrieve that "best dad" video. :wink:
I think my favorite thing about this film is how it took a new approach to story telling. About halfway through the film I noted that this is the first film that I can recall seeing where it assumed that the user new about facebook, twitter, instagram, etc. This allowed the director to give the user the backstory in a really creative way without spending much time (in recent years Woody Allen would do the same using a narrator). What the character didn't send via text was often more interesting in that you got a sense for what they were struggling with as they backspaced their initial thoughts.
I thought the story was well delivered and the end satisfying.
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Holy Shit.... THAT WAS INTENSE. It kept me on edge the entire time and kept me guessing. Overall, a good thriller
This is a great movie. It keeps entertained and interested through the whole episode of a father that thinks he knows his daughter but finds out he doesn't really know much at all. A good twist to the plot near the end adds to the drama.
I'm watching this in 2020, don't know how I missed it back in2018. Solid 10/10
SEARCHING
Nailed it, bailed it or failed it?
Let’s play!
Writing: NAILED IT!
In what is probably the most original style of storytelling in a very long time, Searching gives us the entire story - including all of the dialogue and action - through computer and mobile phone screens and social media services we’re all familiar with. Every scene gives us snippets of the story and they’re just enough to form a comprehensive, easy-to-follow thriller.
It is actually surprisingly easy to follow the movie, since it really makes sure the audience knows what’s going on, but it does require more attention than the average thriller since a big part of the communication is entirely visual.
While the bulk of the script is formed by a well-paced and simple story (albeit with several twists), the deeper message is hard to miss: we live big parts of our lives online, and we leave huge digital footprints wherever we go.
Characters and Acting: NAILED IT!
It’s a tight but amazing cast, headed by Lost alumni John Cho. The performances are so mundane you hardly even realize that it’s all just acting. Debra Messing and Joseph Lee put in great performances as well and the supporting cast feels just as natural as the main stars.
Some of the phone calls heard throughout the film sound fake and too rehearsed, but that might be more due to sloppy dialogue writing than the actual performances.
Direction: NAILED IT!
Aneesh Chaganty has a clear vision for his film and he manages to keep the story together despite the unconventional style. Chaganty knows where to place his actors and where to put the focus of the scene so that he keeps the realistic tone while moving the story forward. There are scenes which split the action across several screens or apps, but the direction makes sure the viewer never gets lost.
Visuals: NAILED IT!
In all of its simplicity, basically copying those familiar desktop and app designs, the visual side of the film is amazingly original.
Sound: NAILED IT!
The sound effects are just as you’d expect but they’re amplified by a wonderful score.
Pacing: NAILED IT!
Searching is not a very fast-paced thriller by any means. It cuts expertly between different apps and programs, constantly playing with the pacing and the style. That is what keeps the film interesting and entertaining all the way to the end.
Themes: NAILED IT
Our digital footprints, the dark side of internet, the importance of good family relations, the desperation of a father in grief. Big and important themes that are very timely in the society of today.
Atmosphere: NAILED IT!
This film will keep you on the edge of the seat. It’s exciting, particularly in its final act, but also deeply touching and emotional.
Rewatchability: NAILED IT!
It’s only after you finish watching when you realise that many clues leading to the truth have been hidden in front of you in plain sight the entire time. Searching requires a few rewatched if you want to catch every single detail.
Expectations: NAILED IT!
I expected a lot, hearing about the unconventional storytelling. The final product is more than just a movie, something closer to an actual experience. It’s more enjoyable if you are familiar with and integrated in the modernized society of today.
Bottom line: NAILED IT!
Searching is on of the most original thrillers ever created, using everyday technology to tell us an important story about the lived all of us live every day in the 21st century. It’s a movie you just have to see in order to fully understand.
movie is great. why man's still using Windows XP tho? that's the question
I haven't been this engrossed in a movie for (what feels like) a while, and it all takes place through computer screens and smartphones.
Searching is a solid modern thriller where the technical can still tell a story with rich emotions and characters.
John Cho is superb.
Re-watched this film in anticipation of seeing the follow-up, Missing. I loved it back in 2018 and it absolutely holds up. The opening sequence stands out as a powerhouse proof of concept. It could easily have been released as a short film, packing an emotional punch that proves that the computer screen POV is more than just a gimmick. The movie uses the POV in creative ways that ring true (or true enough anyway - yes, the excessive use of facetime is a crutch, but what do you expect? We obviously need to see our actors). Once the central mystery kicks off, the true power of the POV is revealed, as it allows the audience to be much more involved in the investigation, getting a direct window into our protagonist's train of thought. Honestly, it puts the "detective" work in most mystery movies to shame, which typically have to rely on either narration or some other equally blunt expositional dialogue to catch the audience up. The twists and turns keep the audience guessing, and the final reveal, though straining credulity in certain respects (surviving five days down a ravine still feels like a bit much, even with rain), generally sticks the landing. Finally, John Cho's performance needs to be called out, as he absolutely carries the film and excels despite the unconventional demands of the POV.
"I didn't know her. I didn't know my daughter."
Friends had told me this was pretty good and I was hesitant since it takes place mainly in a laptop, but John Cho knocks it out of the park. The emotion this man conveys through his laptop screen had me feeling so bad for him I just wanted to give him a hug.
Really enjoyed the limited voice acting in this movie and how the majority of it was through a first person perspective. Social media is such a huge part of society now, that it's nice seeing movies incorporate it more. A very unique style that will stay fresh in my mind for quite some time, particularly given the ending.
Whoa soo where do I start ?.first things off I loved the film , normally I don’t like movies who make plot-twist’s at the end of the movie , so when the funeral part come in I was not thinking that much , but different from other films (like ELI) they managed to pull a twist that changed the whole prespective of the movie in a matter of seconds whitout ignoring what we saw , I loved it .
Really engaging thriller. John Cho is excellent in the movie, keeping the suspense high. So many other movies have failed at leveraging tech and social media in movies, making it awkward, difficult to read/follow along with, but Searching succeeds where many other films has failed. Good movie.
The development of the "screenlife" movies is remarkable and this is its most notable example. A conventional thriller is built with visual resources that introduce us to digital screens. It is promising but seems equally limited, like other visual experiments. The problem is that the surface is more important than the narration, and in the end the result is a mediocre film.
Original focus and good development
Happy Ending :)
ps: I don't have 5 words.
A truly XXI century, social media era thriller... and we got plot twist that you hardly can expect!
I absolutely loved this film. It was thrilling from the start until the end. I swear I had so many conclusions in my head on how this film was going to end and every time the narrative changes. Simply amazing.
Excellent movie and certainly worth seeing.
I still remember seeing this movie in theaters because it was so great. Really suprised me by how much I liked it very entertaining the entire time constant twists and turns, keep your mind rolling the whole time trying to figure out the mystery. I think probably the best movie there is with this kinda camerawork style, suprised by how much it worked for me but this movie is great definitely recommend people to see this because not a lot of people did one of my top 5 movies of the year.
I was lucky to catch this movie in the sneak preview, otherwise I wouldn't have watched this one, as it did not seem to be any interesting.
I was expecting something in the direction of Bliar Witch Project when watching the trailer, and I though that as a found footage movie this would be as bad as all the other found footage movies I've seen (I am absolutely not a fan).
However, this was totally different and a total surprise for me - I found it to be pretty innovative to have the entire story told from the view of a computer screen (though now, having seen Unfriended, I have to see that it's actually not that original). The actor was pretty decent, the way of story telling worked really well and there where a number of surprises and turnarounds I did not expect.
The only criticism I have where those scenes that where a bit "too much", telling and showing the obvious to the viewer as long and in such detail that even the most stupidest person couldn't have missed it. You feel like the director thinks the viewers are extremely stupid sometimes. That was a bit unsatisfying but only a small flaw in an otherwise pretty great movie. It's really entertaining and a positive surprise. Definitely worth a watch!
Great tech film, interesting to realize all one can learn just through out computers. Film moved at a nice pace, never boring. An eye opener to us all.
Now this movie was Surprisingly good.. The End was Trash.. Hollywood does it again unrealistic Plot Hole. More realistic outcome woulda helped this movie
Wow, it was actually a good movie!
Incredible movie!It makes you stay starring at the screen all the time and you'll never know what will happen next
This worked suprisingly good and movie was better than i expected..Full of mystery and plot twists with tense final 20 minutes.
7.8/10 don't miss this one!
Meg kell nézni mindenkinek! Nagyon jó film. Tényleg az idei filmek egyik legjobbja.
AMAZING! / SURPREENDENTE! / 10/10 Stars
powerful movie, very touching too
definitely worth watching it
Amateur detective 101. Seriously speaking, decent thriller with slow start and rapid ending.
Pretty great, effective mystery/suspense. Its gimmick is really well implemented, but it's not nearly as groundbreaking as the makes or some critics would have you believe. It's also very convenient and cleans much to perfectly. Otherwise it's a solid experience.
A well-crafted thriller filmed in a very unique way.
A must-see for 2018.
Well in my case the whole stuff wouldn't work, nothing to trace and everythings encrypted :-D Facebook, Gmail. idiots ;-)
I nearly gave up but I'm glad I didn't, enjoyed it .
The way it was filmed was really good. It's not like the usual social media horrors. Two great plot twists too. For the first hour or so it's quite slow but still worth the watch.
It was a good movie with a unique way of film-making where for the whole movie the story is told from the screen of a computer. Touches on technology and social media can impact a person's life and how much one should spend time with their family without relying on technology. A good twist was revealed in the movie, but it was rather predictable in a way. Overall you will surely enjoy this unique movie and we certainly need more of such movies! 7/10
Used story, but with the twist of smartphones, laptop screen telling, to show the todays conversation of an generation that dont know nobody beside social networks.
Not great, unexepected ending, with "that" twist that an thriller must have, but 6, it can be done with much more.
Ps- when you fall, it use an cervical neckclace, what a gap
This was not good. The premise was fine and the plot could have worked on some level. But they just didn't pull it off. Some of the newscasting segments and voice overs were so poorly done. It was also massively choreographed.....the way a certain scene towards the beginning is filmed just gives away the entire twist of the movie. It treated the audience like they were complete dummies. Very disappointing to see.
An emotional and very interesting thriller. Great "found footage" direction.
It's a very interesting thriller. at first I never thought it would end up been so great. it's worth watching and also it explores the power of social media.
It's about a widowed Father who through the use of social media was able to find his missing daughter who was presumed dead by the police.
1 / 2 directing & technical aspect
1 / 1 story
1 / 1 act I
1 / 1 act II
1 / 1 act III
0 / 1 acting
0 / 1 writing
0 / 1 originality
0 / 1 stays with you
0 / 1 misc
5 out of 10
Awesome movie.. Shook me to the core
Searching (2018)
0.5/1 Plot/Pacing
0.5/1 Acting/Characters
0.5/1 Writing/Directing
0.5/1 Theme/Tone
1/1 Dialogue/Genre
3/5... This movie was good very enjoyable.. But they always find a way to make cliche and A predictable plot.. The movie had a great monument but once the plot really unfolded cost this movie from being a 4 or 4.5 IMO
Good show, definitely worth a watch!
Having seen the producer's own https://trakt.tv/movies/profile-2018 this year (Timur Bekmambetov that is, who focuses on "on-screen narratives") this one just came off bland and more flawed (but hey, at least less forced FaceTime)... I think the gimmick burns out very fast and comes down to whichever movie is "more" consistent. Given the background I was also expecting this to be a bit darker, and not just a "let-me-spell-this-out-for-you-in-my-great-montage-and-here-is-the-twist-you-were-waiting-for-since-we-hinted-at-it-early-on-but-you-have-to-accept-leaps-of-logic-for-it-to-make-sense-kind-of-thriller" with very cheesy music...
a very good thriller : you stay on a computer all along the film and there are twists that changes all the story it's very good
Great movie. Great, great thriller. Far and away the best "only on computer screens" movie. All of the Internet searching and computer use was very realistic too. Loved it.
Emotional, Thrilling, Dramatic... Gone Girl x10
Really well done, a nice reinvention of this genre.
8/10
it just mesmerizing. my eyes fix to the big screen just to wondering is there any clue left behind
Review by DeletedBlockedParentSpoilers2018-08-28T13:50:35Z
Searching is the new thriller directed by Aneesh Chaganty. Widowed father David Kim (John Cho) searches for his missing teenage daughter (Michelle La) with the help of multiple laptops and hard-talking detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing). All the action takes place on screens; the mystery unfolds through texts, FaceTime, YouTube and video blogs.
While some may have their doubts about watching what is essentially a filmed set of screens for nearly two hours, this unusual set up soon feels natural. After all, many of us spend a lot more than two hours without looking away from a screen in our daily lives.
The portrayal of familiar online habits on the big screen is cleverly used for comic effect. The constant rewriting of messages and the replacement of the jovial exclamation mark for the famously passive aggressive full stop is fully relatable and funny to watch. Some of the visuals are also arresting because they are taken out of their familiar context. Most notably, David’s screen saver is transformed into an enormous malignant jellyfish when shown without the borders of a laptop.
The clever parallels between the title, Searching, and the extensive use of search engines (particularly Apple’s “Finder”) throughout the film invite us to look at how we use the internet. Google asks us to “Search Google or type URL,” but when the missing object is a person rather than the answer to inane questions, these words take on a much more frightening currency.
Searching maintains a fantastic tension throughout the search for Margot. The contrast of the horror of the situation and recognisable ordinariness of the technological format is extremely effective in unsettling the audience.
The twists are truly chilling. By the end, there are perhaps just too many wrenching turns, which slightly dents the believability of the film. This is the only thing stopping Searching from getting a solid five-star review. It is a wonderfully sharp, brutally tense and inventively shot thriller that shows the blossoming possibilities of technology in film.