Searching

David Kim's life takes a dark turn following the death of his wife Pamela from lymphoma nearly two years prior. This loss creates a deep emotional rift between him and his daughter Margot, leading to their disconnected relationship.

One fateful night, Margot leaves for a friend's house for a study group, intending to connect with peers. However, while David is asleep, Margot tries to reach out to him multiple times, unseen by her father.

The next morning, David assumes Margot has gone to school, but his worry escalates when he learns from her piano instructor that she stopped attending lessons six months ago. This alarming revelation sets off David's search for his missing daughter.

As David investigates further, he discovers a suspicious transfer of $2,500 to a deleted Venmo account. Realizing the severity of the situation, he contacts the authorities for help in finding Margot.

Detective Rosemary Vick is assigned to Margot's case and seeks to understand her personality and friendships. David learns that Margot hasn’t maintained close relationships since her mother’s passing, intensifying their concerns.

Detective Vick uncovers troubling information about a fake ID created by Margot. Additionally, surveillance footage shows her car at a highway junction, hinting at the possibility that she might have run away.

David discovers Margot's online interactions on a vlogging website called YouCast, leading him to investigate a user named 'fish-and-chips.' Detective Vick verifies this person is innocent, thus complicating the search.

Upon discovering Margot’s activities on Instagram, David visits Barbosa Lake where Margot frequently spent time. He finds her Pokémon keychain, a haunting reminder of her presence and a glimmer of hope in his search.

Police uncover Margot’s car submerged in water, replete with the same $2,500. This discovery heightens the urgency of the search and the depth of David's despair as the hours pass without finding her.

While reviewing crime scene photos, David finds his brother Peter's jacket in Margot's car, prompting a confrontation. Their heated argument reveals an affair that complicates the family's already fragile dynamics.

Amidst the turmoil, Detective Vick reveals that an ex-convict has confessed to killing Margot. The family prepares for an empty-casket funeral, overwhelmed by the weight of their loss and uncertainty.

As David completes the funeral video, he spots a stock photograph that resembles 'fish-and-chips.' This prompts him to question Detective Vick, which leads to the uncovering of her involvement in the case.

As David confronts Vick about her connection to the case, her past relationship with the criminal comes to light, culminating in her arrest during the funeral. The revelation sends shockwaves through the grieving family.

Days later, Vick confesses that her son Robert interacted with Margot as 'fish-and-chips'. This led to a tragic confrontation that caused Margot to fall into the ravine, driven by Vick’s attempt to protect her son.

In a suspenseful finale, David finally learns from Vick that Margot is at the ravine. Rushing to the scene, rescuers find Margot alive but injured, bringing a sliver of hope to a once-dismal situation.

Fast forward two years, Margot is now taking steps towards a brighter future, having applied to college with dreams of majoring in piano. Text messages and photos reveal the renewed bond between David and Margot, illustrating their journey from despair to hope.