Asterlight/Sundance Institute
MOVIE REVIEW
Searchers (2021)
It’s such a good idea that you can’t believe no one thought of it before. People face the camera, looking at dating profiles on the app of their choice, and discuss them with the film crew who controls the scroll, a friend over their shoulder, or both. If messages are dictated, the crew type them and up and send them; if messages are received, they are analyzed together. The pandemic is apparent – “Searchers” was shot last summer in New York City, and the interviews are intercut with street scenes of P.D.A. by people wearing masks – but also not the point, since dating is impossible no matter where or when you are.