Searching (2018) | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

92%

Tomatometer

261 Reviews

88%

Audience Score

5,000+ Ratings

David Kim becomes desperate when his 16-year-old daughter Margot disappears and an immediate police investigation leads nowhere. He soon decides to search the one place that no one else has -- Margot's laptop. Hoping to trace her digital footprints, David contacts her friends and looks at photos and videos for any possible clues to her whereabouts.

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Critics Consensus

Searching's timely premise and original execution are further bolstered by well-rounded characters brought to life by a talented cast.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

A mystery that’s far meatier than its virtual framing would suggest.

Sep 14, 2022

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Andrea Gronvall

Chicago Reader

Shot mostly with iPhones and GoPro cameras, the movie is visually drab and a little too gimmicky - ultimately it's a stunt, albeit an engrossing one.

Mar 20, 2020

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Roxana Hadadi

Chesapeake Family Magazine

Searching follows Eighth Grade as another thought-provoking film about the intersection between teens' lives and their presence-and reliance-on social media.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 21, 2018

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Elisa Guimarães

Collider

Searching is an unnerving and touching movie that goes well beyond the gimmick of being told through a computer screen.

Feb 1, 2024

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Manuel São Bento

MSB Reviews

A tremendously unique style of filmmaking elevates an almost seamlessly written mystery, containing constant twists and puzzling clues that leave the audience captivated throughout the entire runtime.

Rated: A

Jul 24, 2023

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Adrian Ruiz

But Why Tho? A Geek Community

If you like suspense movies, innovation, and John Cho you do not want to miss the movie.

Rated: 10/10

Jan 17, 2023

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Audience Reviews

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Elena R amazing movie. 10/10. great and unexpected plot twists and an extremely creative format, with a bit of suspense too! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/01/24 Full Review Jayden M Great movie would definitely suggest people to watch. Just when you think the main plot is over, it gets better and better. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/04/24 Full Review Fyox F Splendid movie. Super-entertaining. Please Watch it. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/22/24 Full Review Eric S This was a great psychological mystery thriller that had me on the edge of my seat as we the audience find out what happened to "Margot, Kim" while she was missing. This movie was very uniquely shot, and produced, not how every ordinary film is done, but seen straight from a laptop computer. Thoroughly enjoyed this film. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/17/24 Full Review Isaac M Searching is an amazing film, and its plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. It's unique yet compelling filming format being all on computer and phone screens is one that keeps the watcher invested for its for its zippy run time of 1 hr and 42 minutes. With performances from John Cho, Debra Messing and Michelle La, this movie is a must see for anyone looking for an entertaining film. Grab some popcorn, take a seat, and watch Searching. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/24 Full Review Sedale S Well that was stressful.Creative movie and very well written. John Cho's range is immensely underrated. At the core of the movie, the theme is putting your family first, no matter what, and I f*cks with that moral Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

Aneesh Chaganty Director John Cho David Kim Debra Messing Detective Vick Joseph Lee Peter Michelle La Margot Sara Sohn Pamela Nam Kim

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Movie Clips

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Searching: Official Clip - What Did You Do to My Daughter?