Day 4: Searchers

Searchers 

This film started and I was captivated. It premiered in the NEXT section of the festival, which showcases innovative films that incorporate technology or forward thinking in some ways. This film uses its subjects as a way to look at different ways of connection in the middle of a pandemic. Part of the way it does this is it places a filter to make it look as if we are viewing the film through a phone. It was very promising. I was enjoying the stories... for about the first 4 or 5 times. When I say the film is a reflection, that is exactly what I mean...a reflection. It doesn't look to answer any questions, or examine the psychology behind online dating or why humans make the romantic choices they do. It's basically an hour and a half of people talking about their preferences and which dating apps they use. This is not helped by the lack of score, which just accents the nothing-ness of the film. I got bored watching this. I found myself checking the time multiple times in a short span. Some of the film's subjects are fun to watch, though. A conversation between two elderly brothers and a black man reveling in the emotions of recounting his best online dating experience are the biggest highlights. Other than that, though, there are some funny moments, but overall, nothing happens here. It's dull.

Final Thought: A repetitive reflection on online dating, Searchers is a film where almost nothing happens... Yea.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5