"Searching" for a good ending

The movie Searching is about a father, David, who uses every aspect of the internet to find out

what happens to his missing daughter, Margo. Searching takes place entirely from the perspective

of a computer’s desktop. This film captures the idea of social media and technology more successfully

and accurately than most films in the growing genre of screen-based movies. The way the movie is presented is well done and quite engaging, along with an impressive performance from the lead actor

John Cho (David). Unfortunately, the story itself doesn’t quite jell. Regardless, the movie has a lot to

appreciate. Giving viewers a thrilling screen based ride for much of its screen time. Only in the final act

does it really fall apart. An important and well-executed plot point of the film takes place in the opening

scene.  Margo and David’s life becomes known through a series of pictures on David’s computer.

These pictures extend from Margo’s first day of fourth grade to her mother died in the hospital to her

first day of high school without her mother by her side. This appeals to the sense of pathos because the

viewers begin to feel sorrow for David and Margo for losing their wife and mother, and seeing them

trying to carry on life without her by their side. It also becomes known that their relationship was

never the same after Margo’s mother’s death when David is about to send a text to Margo say, “Your

mother would be proud,” but holds back because he does not want to bring up her death. Another

major plot point in the film is the typical, cliche ending.  Of course, David finds his daughter, alive, and

they rekindle their relationship. She was found in a ravine after she was pushed off a cliff by her

attempted murderer. Because of the tragedy that happened to David and Margo, they both agree to be

more honest with each other and more open about their mother and wife’s death. Mise en scene isn’t

used much throughout the film, with most of it being shot through computer webcam. Nevertheless,

we get a lot of dominant feature in this film, giving us only one thing to focus on, that being David's

face. There were little subsidiary features in the background to distract us from what was unfolding as

we watched David search for his daughter, Margo.

Overall, the movie unfolds its story in an engaging way as the viewers solve the mystery along with

David, feeling each new wrinkle as it deepens. It, unfortunately, is the story itself that turns out to not

be quite worth the journey to get there.  Searching doesn’t quite stick the landing, although, the first

hour or so is surprisingly intriguing and engaging. Especially considering much of that time is literally

looking at David’s face on a webcam while he Googles things. The fact that this can generate suspense

or intrigue at all is pretty impressive. All in all, the film gives the audience a compelling story with the

portrayal of Davids search but is overshadowed by the stereotypical, happy ever after ending. Lastly, I

would rate this film Good, Bad. The impressing editing and storytelling at the beginning of the film

aren't enough to make me truly enjoy the experience I had as an audience member.