movie rec: Searching (2018)

Searching is an unusual thriller starring John Cho. It is shot from the point of view of computer screens, smart phones, and security cameras, creating a screen-within-a-screen effect. At times this feels distant, and at times claustrophobic. It's a novel approach to making a film.

Cho plays David Kim, a father whose teenage daughter disappears. Along with a local detective (Debra Messing), he begins to search for his daughter Margot, looking mostly at her digital footprint. He examines social media, uses Google Maps, and discovers that Margot had a "you stream" channel (like youtube). This was extremely well exectued. The writing and pacing are smart and there are some unexpected twists.

Content notes are minor: Marijuana use; a character that dies from cancer. Some gripping, scary bits but nothing graphic.

Recommended!