Search Out is a 2020 South Korean action-thriller film, directed by Kwak Jung and starring Son Byong-ho, Ga-Yoon Heo, and Go Jung-il. The movie follows the story of a small investigative team consisting of an ex-detective, a computer hacker, and a forensic scientist who try to tackle a string of serial killings in Seoul. The movie is an intense and engaging thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats till its very end.
The story of Search Out begins with the discovery of a grotesque crime scene in Seoul. The body of a young woman is found brutally murdered, and Seoul is filled with fear and panic as two more murders follow. The police are unable to make any headway in the case, and the media criticize them for their incompetence. Enter, a former detective, Joong-sik (played by Son Byong-ho), who decides to take on the case himself. But he needs help, and he turns to his old friend, the talented hacker Yoon-joo (played by Ga-Yoon Heo), and a top-notch forensic expert, Sung-in (played by Go Jung-il), to assist him in his efforts.
Together, the team of three immerses themselves in the investigation, using all their skills and experience to search for the killer. Through their sleuthing, they discover a sinister web of corruption and cover-ups, which ultimately leads them to a terrifying revelation. But as they close in on the killer, the stakes get higher, and the risks get more significant, and soon they find themselves in grave danger.
One of the strongest aspects of Search Out is its lead actors. Son Byong-ho delivers an excellent performance as Joong-sik, the ex-detective whose world-weary demeanor is juxtaposed with a fierce determination to solve the case. He is the backbone of the investigation, and his character stands out as the bravest and most determined of the three. Ga-Yoon Heo is outstanding as the hacker Yoon-joo, who is witty, cynical, and fiercely independent. Her character provides moments of levity in the intense thriller and demonstrates the importance of teamwork in solving a case. Go Jung-il rounds up the team with his forensic scientist character, Sung-in. His attention to detail and scientific knowledge of evidence collection greatly aid the investigation.
The atmosphere in Search Out is intense and unsettling, and the gritty sense of realism adds to the tension. The director does an excellent job of balancing character development and the suspense, building a sense of dread as the investigation progresses. The movie features some well-designed action scenes, but the movie's strength lies mainly in its story and characters. The pacing and editing are tight, and there are no wasted scenes that drag out the story unnecessarily.
Another notable aspect of the film is the close attention to detail regarding the various forensic and technological procedures utilized in the investigation. From analysing mobile records to tracking online activity, the movie shines a light on modern methods of forensic science and technology.
In conclusion, Search Out is a must-watch thriller for fans of the genre. It boasts a fantastic cast, a compelling story, and excellent direction from Kwak Jung. Its depiction of modern forensic science methods adds a unique perspective to the procedural nature of the investigation. This movie will keep you engaged from beginning to end and deliver a satisfying conclusion.
Search Out is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.