Written by: Kevin Berge
Sulu got old real fast. (Image Courtesy of: rogerebert.com)
Quick Take: Searching has an impressive concept behind its construction with every scene happening on a computer screen, and it works because of the perspective and ingenuity of usage behind that concept. It is also a strong mystery all its own even if the story gets a bit convenient down the stretch.
***This review will not contain spoilers for Searching, but it will allude to certain moves in the story. If you plan to see Searching already and have not, it would likely be best to go see the film first before proceeding.***
A good gimmick is rarely the defining aspect of a good movie. Concepts can make a film standout at the time, but they don't often stands the test of time. The idea of an entire movie on a computer screen has been done before particularly by the horror film Unfriended, so Searching was not breaking new ground with this idea.
Where Searching shines though is its usage of its gimmick to enhance the experience. This movie doesn't just work with the concept. It is better for it, allowing the audience a common and often first-person perspective of the main character that pulls the viewer in.
The film follows David Kim (Jason Cho), a father whose daughter Margot (Michelle La) goes missing. After filing a missing person report, he begins working with Detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing) to solve a strange case that he does not quite understand.
A good mystery knows just how important every detail can be in a story, and Searching rarely fails in delivering on the Chekhov's gun principle. Those paying close attention will likely get far more out of this story, which has some strong twists and turns along the way.
These twists are guided by a strong understanding of just how much is at the film's disposal by relying on the computer screen focus. When he talks to someone, David is constantly looking these up and noting them. He can go back to clues effortlessly and build an understanding without coming off as more capable than those he's working with.
However, the real heart of the film is the emotion, watching David slowly fall deeper into emotional turmoil throughout the story. Jason Cho (Harold & Kumar) is unsurprisingly brilliant throughout. With the perspective often right up in his face or following his typing, it is easy to relate to him especially thanks to Cho's emotional work.
A good gimmick is rarely the defining aspect of a good movie. Concepts can make a film standout at the time, but they don't often stands the test of time. The idea of an entire movie on a computer screen has been done before particularly by the horror film Unfriended, so Searching was not breaking new ground with this idea.
Where Searching shines though is its usage of its gimmick to enhance the experience. This movie doesn't just work with the concept. It is better for it, allowing the audience a common and often first-person perspective of the main character that pulls the viewer in.
The film follows David Kim (Jason Cho), a father whose daughter Margot (Michelle La) goes missing. After filing a missing person report, he begins working with Detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing) to solve a strange case that he does not quite understand.
A good mystery knows just how important every detail can be in a story, and Searching rarely fails in delivering on the Chekhov's gun principle. Those paying close attention will likely get far more out of this story, which has some strong twists and turns along the way.
These twists are guided by a strong understanding of just how much is at the film's disposal by relying on the computer screen focus. When he talks to someone, David is constantly looking these up and noting them. He can go back to clues effortlessly and build an understanding without coming off as more capable than those he's working with.
However, the real heart of the film is the emotion, watching David slowly fall deeper into emotional turmoil throughout the story. Jason Cho (Harold & Kumar) is unsurprisingly brilliant throughout. With the perspective often right up in his face or following his typing, it is easy to relate to him especially thanks to Cho's emotional work.
This movie has so many real social media platforms that I was convinced YouCast was also a thing. (Image Courtesy of: youtube.com)
The movie is an engaging rise. The constant rising tension is palpable with a simple but effective score behind the film from Torin Borrowdale (The Midnight Man). The way the movie sets up its characters and lets them evolve would have worked in any format.
Director and screenwriter Aneesh Chaganty proves himself in his first outing to be worthy of bigger film opportunities. His style would likely be an easy transition to huge movies, and he should be getting those chances after the success of Searching on a likely minuscule budget.
While I enjoyed the entire film, I did leave with the nagging feeling that the movie cheapened itself down the stretch. With a realistic edge to so much of the story, the final act gets convoluted in a way that is unnecessary even if the pieces were set up well earlier in the story.
There were so many angles this movie could have taken with more engaging lasting messages, but it ultimately takes a fairly safe path. The themes of understanding and openness can feel a bit understated until they are the entire text of the closing act.
It is great to have filmmakers experimenting in this way, and Cho is a fantastic actor who deserves more leading roles. If this was a pure blockbuster thriller, it would have been perfect, but, given its independent ties, it had more potential than it ultimately delivered on.
Searching ultimately is more flash than brilliance, but it is an engaging emotional ride with a unique perspective. It may not stand the test of time, but it is certainly leading the pack with its gimmick that will likely be used more now in the future.
Director and screenwriter Aneesh Chaganty proves himself in his first outing to be worthy of bigger film opportunities. His style would likely be an easy transition to huge movies, and he should be getting those chances after the success of Searching on a likely minuscule budget.
While I enjoyed the entire film, I did leave with the nagging feeling that the movie cheapened itself down the stretch. With a realistic edge to so much of the story, the final act gets convoluted in a way that is unnecessary even if the pieces were set up well earlier in the story.
There were so many angles this movie could have taken with more engaging lasting messages, but it ultimately takes a fairly safe path. The themes of understanding and openness can feel a bit understated until they are the entire text of the closing act.
It is great to have filmmakers experimenting in this way, and Cho is a fantastic actor who deserves more leading roles. If this was a pure blockbuster thriller, it would have been perfect, but, given its independent ties, it had more potential than it ultimately delivered on.
Searching ultimately is more flash than brilliance, but it is an engaging emotional ride with a unique perspective. It may not stand the test of time, but it is certainly leading the pack with its gimmick that will likely be used more now in the future.
