Searching Poster

Searching 2018

★ 7.64,181 votes102 min📅 2018-08-24

"No one is lost without a trace."

Searching (2018) is a gripping psychological thriller directed by Aneesh Chaganty that transforms screens into a modern-day detective's canvas.

Director: Aneesh Chaganty

Cast

John Cho
John Cho
David Kim
Michelle La
Michelle La
Margot
Debra Messing
Debra Messing
Detective Vick
Joseph Lee
Joseph Lee
Peter
Sara Sohn
Sara Sohn
Pamela Nam Kim
Briana McLean
Briana McLean
Abigail
Erica Jenkins
Erica Jenkins
Hannah
Connor McRaith
Connor McRaith
Isaac
Dominic Hoffman
Dominic Hoffman
Michael Porter
Ric Sarabia
Ric Sarabia
Randy Cartoff

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Searching (2018) about?

Searching follows David Kim, a grieving father whose 16-year-old daughter disappears without warning. With police stalled after 37 hours and no leads, David turns to the one place no one else has considered—his daughter's laptop. What he uncovers there forces him to confront painful truths about her life and their relationship.

Who directed Searching?

Searching was directed by Aneesh Chaganty, whose innovative storytelling style transforms everyday technology into a cinematic mystery.

Who stars in Searching?

The film features John Cho as David Kim, Michelle La as his missing daughter Margot, and Debra Messing as Detective Rosemary Vick.

Is Searching (2018) worth watching?

Absolutely—Searching stands out for its bold visual style and emotional depth, making it a must-watch for fans of mystery and psychological thrillers. The unique format and strong performances elevate it beyond typical crime dramas, offering both suspense and heart.

How long is Searching?

Searching runs for 102 minutes, delivering a tight, suspenseful experience that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

🎥 Trailer

About Searching (2018) — A father's desperate digital hunt for his missing daughter

Searching (2018) is a gripping psychological thriller directed by Aneesh Chaganty that transforms screens into a modern-day detective's canvas. Shot entirely through computer and smartphone screens, this innovative mystery unfolds as a father's desperate search for his missing daughter becomes a digital scavenger hunt. With no traditional scenes or dialogue, the film immerses viewers in a tense, first-person journey where every keystroke, notification, and file reveals a new clue—or a painful truth. The drama unfolds across genres, blending melancholy family moments with the suspense of an unresolved disappearance, all wrapped in a mood of quiet urgency and emotional depth.

Starring John Cho in a heartbreaking lead role, Searching (2018) explores themes of loss, technology, and the hidden fractures in seemingly happy families. Michelle La co-stars as the daughter at the center of the mystery, while Debra Messing brings gravitas as the sympathetic detective navigating a case that seems to go nowhere. As David Kim digs deeper into his daughter's digital life, the film questions how well we truly know the people closest to us—and what secrets lie hidden in plain sight in our connected world.