Searching

Much has been made about the unique method of telling this story, that is, entirely through the lenses or screens of various digital devices. But the “device” device might just be the vice that takes virtue out of the plot.

The first few minutes of the film tells the story’s epilogue on a computer screen via account set ups, photo and video uploads, messages and other indirect but familiar cyber based interactions. It’s a brief summary of the initial 16 years of a family’s life. A whole movie constructed in this way would be tedious, but various media are used including live video chatting, CCTV footage, TV broadcasting, and it breaks the monotony.

It’s an intriguing concept but has inherent problems which unfortunately are overcome with contrivance and a lot of licence. Ultimately, it’s more of a gimmick – the story itself, is not cyber bound. John Cho plays David Kim, the techno-unsavvy father of a 16 year old girl who goes missing one night. Debra Messing is the detective assigned to the case. Both over act.

In the end this is a too-cleverly presented melodrama.

★★ ½

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich.