Searching (2018)

	Also Known As: Buscando
	Year of first release: 2018
	Director: Aneesh Chaganty
	Actors: John Cho, Michelle La, Debra Messing
	Country: USA
	Genre: Drama, Thriller
	Conditions of visioning: 06.08.2018, Schauburg, OV Sneak Preview, English version
Synopsis: After David Kim (Cho)'s 16-year-old daughter goes missing, a local investigation is opened and detective Vick (Messing) is assigned to the case. David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter's laptop. David traces his daughter's digital footprints.
Review: The idea sounds boring but the way it is realised is excellent! Most of the movie is indeed as if the screen of David Kim is projected in the movie theater. And without the reflections on the screen! From the old Windows to the iMac screen resolution. From Facetime by Apple to  Facebook, Youcast etc. The story is very complex and follows more or less what the father believes. I guess therefore it is complex and working like a brainstorming, because the disappearance of his daughter is a storm in his brain. Sometimes we see messages on our screen at the same time and sometimes before he sees them. This allows to adjust the rythm of the drama and open or close a climax.  John Cho never made any breakthrough after his acting in Star Treks (as Star Trek by JJ Abrams or Into darkness). With this role, he shows that he can give depth to a role, emotions, dilemmas. This might be finally the springboard for him.  The art of directing is very well mastered via the changes of pace, of drama, of emotions through the different types of medias presented: written messages, voice messages, youcast videos, internet search results, family videos, news. I liked it a lot. A good start for a first movie.  There are several poster available and they are quite different and original.
Rating: 7 /10 Poster patchwork   Sober poster