SEARCHING

Story: When 16-year-old Margot (Michelle La) goes missing without a trace, her widowed father David (John Cho) resorts to analysing her behavioural pattern on social media and tracks her digital footprints to decode what could have happened to his daughter.

Searching has one of the most soul-stirring opening scenes that leave you teary-eyed. It brilliantly touches upon us coping with life and loss in times of digital isolation. Small films can leave a deep impact and this is one such incredible story that addresses the most pertinent question of today — whether our need to document our lives on social media is a boon or a bane?

Chaganty infuses technology in a classic whodunit, to give us a taut mystery that unfolds on computer and phone screens. This innovative storytelling technique makes you a part of David’s search operation instead of being a mere spectator. Every call missed, key pressed or text read, brings a lump in your throat, almost mirroring our reliance on technology in our daily lives. However, don’t let the filmmaker’s tech proficiency cloud your judgement. Searching is essentially a father-daughter story, replete with umpteen twists and turns, that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rating: 4.5/5