The first time I saw a plot told through computer screens and smartphones was in an episode of "Modern Family" . I thought it was a revolutionary idea at that time, that was already a few years ago and it's still one of those episodes I vividly remember. Coincidentally that episode was also dealing with a missing teenager, when the whole family goes crazy when they think that Haley has eloped with Andy to get married in Vegas.
Comedy ensues when Claire goes all Mama Bear trying to find Haley and things get complicated when she's actually in an airport and is about to get on a flight back home. All she has is her laptop (and her equally crazy family) to help her find her daughter. She even reveals that she has a fake Facebook account which she uses so she can keep tabs on her kids. (You know, coz they won't accept her friend request).
While this episode of "Modern Family" is hilarious (like all of their episodes)- "Searching" is no laughing matter.
"Searching" is every parents' worst nightmare.
Told through the POV of smart phones and computer screens; the award winning suspene thriller is anchored by John Cho's impressive performance of a frantic father in search of his missing daughter and tracing her digital footprint to find her.
Much of "Searching" is Jon Cho in front of some sort of screen, computer, television, smart phone, whatever and it is truly a challenging role to play but he pulls it off from start to end. Much of the success of this film (aside from how truly innovative it was, is because of his performance).
Jon Cho is David Kim a single Dad to Margot (Michelle La) a regular teenager, who also plays piano as a hobby. One night, she doesn't come home from study group and a desperate David, breaks into her laptop and uses all means necessary to find her.
Aside from the thrilling detective work that David has to do through different social media platforms in order to find his daughter, the film also a beautiful montage at the beginning which shows just how much technology has become a part of our lives, all the way from Windows 95.
Its amazing how they were able to use even a "screensaver" to tell a story and despite its limitations, because lets admit it there are limitations to this kind of story telling, "Searching" will still keep you at the edge of your seat. I was not sold on some of the "that's too much of a coincidence plot movers" but I will give it a pass, since I mentioned the story, no matter how much we have advanced in technology and how much our lives revolve around the internet will always have a limitation.
Bottom line is - a parent will do everything for their child.
And as a parent to a 13th month old boy that scares me, more than any other horror movie out there.
The film is also a social commentary as it shows the reality of how much we depend on technology and social media and poses the question of how much of what we post about our self is true. Its funny how people can perceive you in a different just because of a social media post, now whether that is the truth or not is an entirely different thing and that can be scary.
(8/10) - Its like one of those crime procedural shows that you watch on "C.I" but only a thousand times better. With twist after twist told through a refreshing manner of storytelling "Searching" will keep you guessing until the end.
