Searching
23/09/18 Filed in: Cinema
It's always good to watch a film that breaks new ground, in that the story here is told exclusively through the screens of mobile devices and computers. This, I believe, may be a first for cinema. The film itself is gripping, although if it had been filmed conventionally probably wouldn't be regarded as anything other than a competent thriller.
As somebody who has been into computing since the early 80s the approach was particularly interesting. I watched the early flashbacks through the screen of Windows XP and then name-checked the newer technology and apps as the story moved forward to the present day. After a while you can easily forget that you're seeing everything as a form of voyeurism. Unless of course your nerd factor is actively tuned to the technology, judging the veracity of what you're watching in terms of your own knowledge of the subject.
The story itself is straightforward, beginning by introducing us to Pamela and David Kim, and showing how they start a digital diary for their daughter, Margot. But their lives are changed when Pamela is diagnosed with cancer, and despite a remission, finally succumbs to the illness. This leaves David and Margot, who superficially seem to be coping, but in fact Margot is struggling emotionally and David is unaware of this. He sees her continuing her piano lessons as a budding concert pianist and thinks that everything is fine. But Margot has created a parallel existence on social media, which leads her into danger.
After missing a number of calls from Margot while he was sleeping, and not being able to contact her, David embarks on an almost forensic internet trail to try to find out where she is, and over time what has happened to her. During this process he learns things about his daughter that come as a surprise, or in some cases a shock. She has now been reported as officially missing and a decorated female detective, by the name of Vick (referred to as detective Vick) is on the case. David is more than happy to have her on board, and works closely with her to track down Margot's friends, which itself reveals some surprising responses.
As time passes, fears grow for Margot's wellbeing. Her car is found, empty. The moment arrives when the unthinkable must be countenanced. But David still has doubts, and his forensic analysis of the facts reveal one further big surprise. A surprise that changes the whole direction of the investigation. The outcome is unexpected, but when past events are reconsidered, the signs were there, we just didn't spot them.
Reviews for this film have been mixed, although the Rotten Tomatoes' verdicts are very positive. Some 'techie' people have, of course, nit-picked the detail, but I think that most cinema goers will find this film both novel and attention grabbing.
After missing a number of calls from Margot while he was sleeping, and not being able to contact her, David embarks on an almost forensic internet trail to try to find out where she is, and over time what has happened to her. During this process he learns things about his daughter that come as a surprise, or in some cases a shock. She has now been reported as officially missing and a decorated female detective, by the name of Vick (referred to as detective Vick) is on the case. David is more than happy to have her on board, and works closely with her to track down Margot's friends, which itself reveals some surprising responses.
As time passes, fears grow for Margot's wellbeing. Her car is found, empty. The moment arrives when the unthinkable must be countenanced. But David still has doubts, and his forensic analysis of the facts reveal one further big surprise. A surprise that changes the whole direction of the investigation. The outcome is unexpected, but when past events are reconsidered, the signs were there, we just didn't spot them.
Reviews for this film have been mixed, although the Rotten Tomatoes' verdicts are very positive. Some 'techie' people have, of course, nit-picked the detail, but I think that most cinema goers will find this film both novel and attention grabbing.