Searching

Searching

Starring John Cho, Debra Messing, Michelle La, Sara Sohn

Directed by Aneesh Chaganty

The Story:
David Kim (John Cho) is a devoted single father to teenager Margot (Michelle La), especially after the death of her mother a few years ago.  The two share a connected relationship - at least David thought - until Margot goes missing.  He begins searching through her social media, and slowly learns that he doesn't really know his own daughter.  With the help of Detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing), David follows Margot's social media pattern in hopes of finding out what happened to his daughter.

The Synopsis:
Gimmicky films often have the problem of not rising above their shtick.  Films like "Unfriended" have already given us the concept of showing a film entirely from the point of view of a computer screen, and often that idea hinders the plot from becoming fully actuated, due to the restrictiveness of the idea.  "Searching" takes a different turn from other films of the ilk, instead focusing on a very real fear that every parent faces, and serving as the springboard of a gripping, dramatic, and heavily thrilling film.

When Margot, the only daughter of widowed David, goes missing, David relies on her social media to find what happened to her, and discovers that he never really knew his daughter.  The money he gave her for piano lessons were instead put into her bank account, and the friends she has on Facebook tell David that they never really knew her at all - they just used her to better themselves.  As David keeps searching, he finds that the facts might not point to Margot being kidnapped, but rather running off on her own accord.

The film is such a contrast of genres that it really surprised me how much I enjoyed it.  I didn't think the hype was real, until I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat in the theater anticipating the next twist to come along - and there was many of them.  Yet, unlike other films, the twists here actually make sense, and add to the overall excitement the film delivers, even if it's just from a computer screen.

John Cho and Debra Messing aren't the first two names you think of when you think of pulse-pounding suspense, but despite their pedigree in the comedy department (Cho in his "Harold & Kumar" film series, Messing with "Will & Grace"), both give it their all in this very claustrophobic film - after all, you can't hide when the whole film takes place through the lens of a computer screen.  Cho's absolutely heartbreaking as David, who is forced to play out every father's worst nightmare - not just the disappearance of his only child, but discovering her whole world that you knew nothing about.  Equally, Messing gives a top-notch performance as the seasoned detective, who also showcases vulnerability and doubt behind the disappearance herself.  These two root the film in strong performances, adding to the realism the film gives.

Newcomer Michelle La truly shines as Margot, as we witness what life is like for a fifteen-year-old girl who doesn't have any real friends, and who feels like she has to hide her true self even from her father.  Her facial expressions alone show a girl truly hurting and in pain, leaving you to believe that she might have left to start a new life, or, as David fears, suffered at the hands of an unseen enemy.

The script is so poignant and profound you can't help but get drawn in from the start - where you see an opening montage that's reminiscent of the film "Up" that will have you crying as much as the aforementioned Pixar film did.  The script served as the film's river, crafting a wild, insane ride that twists and turns and forces you to ride it to the very end without giving you a chance to get off.  It's been awhile since a movie has had that effect on me, but that's what "Searching" did - it provided a harrowing tale that was rooted in reality and built up on strong performances.

The Summary:
Rising above the gimmick it focused on, "Searching" provided a thoughtful, powerful, suspenseful film that demands a second viewing to understand all the small nuances the director gives - and this is a film where you don't mind watching it again and again.

The Score: A+