Searching

Tejas Nair 6/23/2021 3:58:55PM 8.4

Searching blew me away even though I saw it after Run, Aneesh Chaganty's later feature, and having heard and read everything about how similar Mahesh Narayan's c u soon is. The intensity of the plot, its unpredictability, and the conviction of the characters are what stood out for me in this unconventional thriller that is also so relatable and real. Watch it right now if you haven't. **8 stars**.

Nathan 2/1/2023 6:16:10PM 8.4

Searching is a mystery thriller film shot from the perspective of our main characters computer screen. In most movies of this nature, this is done as gimmick and does not feel natural in the story telling. But here, the technology is seamlessly integrated into the story where the two are inseparable. John Cho does an excellent job of being the lead here. His emotional connection with his daughter is a driving force of the plot and the turmoil he goes through in discovering that the connection he has with his daughter was all on the surface is superb. The unknowns surround our leads daughter creates so much tension and mystery as we are trying learn about the character along side the father. The editing is top notch here as the story maintains a very coherent progression while balancing multiple windows and views of the computer screen. There were plenty of twists in the story, some worked well and others fell flat for me. The movie does a little bit too much at the end, but overall was great. Score: 79% Verdict: Great

RalphRahal 1/26/2025 12:49:23AM 8.4

*Searching* is one of those movies that grabs your attention from the very start with its unique storytelling style. The entire film unfolds through digital screens, which adds an intriguing layer to the narrative and feels surprisingly natural. The story builds a solid foundation, with good pacing and character development that makes you genuinely invested in what’s happening. John Cho delivers a strong and emotional performance as a father searching for his daughter, and the way the movie balances suspense with heartfelt moments is impressive. One of the highlights of *Searching* is how it incorporates technology into the story without feeling forced. It’s refreshing to see a film that uses tools we interact with every day—like social media and video calls—in a way that feels realistic, even if some details are slightly dramatized. The film does a great job of keeping you on edge, and the twists keep coming at just the right moments to keep things interesting. However, the last act felt a bit underdeveloped, with some pieces of the puzzle not landing as effectively as the rest of the movie. Overall, *Searching* is a well-executed thriller that deserves credit for trying something different and pulling it off. While it isn’t perfect, especially toward the end, the innovative approach and strong performances make it worth a watch. If you enjoy a good mystery with a fresh presentation, this one’s definitely worth your time.