Searching – Why is no one talking about this movie?
Movie Rating 9.5 out of 10
Family Rating Adult themes but no swearing, sex, violence.
Tonight I watched one of the best drama’s I have seen in years. A movie that I only discovered because the trailer was shown during my last visit. This is a hidden gem that needs to be brought to the surface so while it sounds like I’m babbling please make the effort to go and see Searching. I am so sure that you enjoy this movie that I guarantee your money back if you don’t like. (I said that without Jene’s approval)
So why did I love it so much? From the very first shots it plays with your emotions, it tugs at the heartstrings and sets up what you think is the foundation of a story about a small family who has suffered tragedy. Its unique storytelling is made up of text messages, facetime chats, social media strings and yet it is personal the whole time. The suspense begins to build from early in the piece but there are so many twists and turns that you never have the time to feel comfortable with the current status. There are no scenes that do not add to the story and just when you think you have reached the crescendo it lifts to another level with another outcome appearing over the horizon.
As a father I felt for David Kim (John Cho) who discovers that his daughter is missing and there are few clues to assist him or Detective Vick (Debra Messing) who has been assigned to investigate the case. Feeling helpless David goes online to try to find out who his daughter Margot (Michelle La) may have been with or where she may have gone. As each clue unfolds he realises that he does not really know his daughter and this adds to his guilt and feelings of helplessness. So as a parent you can relate to his anxiety, guilt, anger and all those other emotions that build up as each part of the story is revealed. David acts as I imagine a real dad would react rather than a Liam Neeson in Taken. All three actors do a really great job portraying their characters and I was really impressed with Messing who I have not seen often in a serious role.
To provide any more of the story would lead to spoilers but I was seriously impressed. I pride myself in being able to read a plot and know how a story will evolve well before the end (that’s why Jene won’t let me watch police shows with her). During this movie, though I constantly found myself picking up clues that I thought would lead to a certain point only to find that I, like David Kim, was no closer to the outcome. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster but embrace it because not too movies will do that to you anymore.
Once again let me encourage you all to take the time to see this movie before it ends its run at the theatre. Search out the Searching