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Searching (2018), PG-13, ★★★1/2


It is scary nowadays that more people can be missing or lost due to more strangers luring them into certain places that nobody in their inner circle knows about. But, a parent or a group of parents will do anything they can to find their child even if they have to invade their privacy or go against the authorities' will. There's nothing more sacred than a parent's love for their child and to use that cliche concept of a parent looking for a child and mixing it with an up-and-coming computer concept that has been before made me a bit apprehensive. However, thanks to a compelling performance, a suspenseful plot and some solid twists, this is a movie that almost works on all cylinders and takes its concept up a notch.

The whole movie takes place from the point of view of the laptop and phone screens. David (John Cho) is taking care of Margot (Michelle La) as a single father after the death of his wife a few years back. Margot leaves for a study group session after David chides her for not taking out the trash. Later, after calling his brother, Peter (Joseph Lee), who is trying to make a recipe that his wife used to make. David goes to sleep and misses two calls from Margot. David messages Margot for not taking out the trash but she has not responded. After work, he tries to contact Margot, but still does not answer.

David becomes suspicious as he finds out that Margot cancelled her piano lessons and took David's money for herself. He even finds out that she is not with her friend during a mountain trip. David calls the police and speaks to Detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing), who is assigned to the case.  She tells David to get in touch with anyone who has been in contact with her. David attempts to go through her social media accounts and tries to find Margot before it is too late.


Yes, it is a concept that is done before, last time with Unfriended and its horrible sequel. But, here, even if you know that laptop point-of-view filmmaking may potentially become a gimmick quickly, the story works within the confines of a laptop as you know a parent is suspicious that her child is up to something within the realms of the internet. It makes sense in this digital age as you see that they are many fake profiles that are noticeable and can be un-clickable but some do it just because they are curious but may not know that their accounts and life may be hacked.

Why most of the movie works is become of John Cho, more known for his comedic roles from American Pie and the Harold & Kumar series, this is most dramatic role to date and succeeds quite well as you follow him on the journey to find his missing daughter. You can feel his anxiety and stress as he may be closer to knowing that his daughter may have met her fate early. He is going to get some work off of this movie for more dramatic roles. Debra Messing also gives a solid supporting performance along the way.

Writer/director Aneesh Chaganty does a good job of making you guess as to what she might have been up to as this could have been easily straight-to-the-finish line story with a predictable mystery. But, no, there are twists and turns along the way that I did not see coming and there were was one time that they got me as I thought the truth was revealed but no, there was more information. I'll dock off points for the few logical errors behind the truth it all. But, the movie is well-executed and well-crafted enough to be believed as a true mystery that does not cheat you thanks to its solid performances by Cho, Messing and La. I was thoroughly impressed by this movie.

***1/2


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