Search Engines

Search Engines is a 2016 comedy-drama film that follows the Christmas gathering of a family in a secluded cabin. The movie centers around the interactions of the family members as they try to deal with past resentments and present societal pressures.

The ensemble cast is helmed by Joely Fisher, who plays Helen, the matriarch of the family. She is married to Alan, who is portrayed by Greg Germann. They have two daughters, Emily (Grace Folsom) and Zoe (Lily Holleman). Emily is an aspiring writer while Zoe is a successful businesswoman. The family is completed by Helen's sister, Mary (Natasha Gregson Wagner), and her son, Max (Jonathan Bennett).

At the start of the movie, the family members arrive at the cabin for the Christmas holidays. As the days pass, the audience gets a glimpse into the family dynamics and their individual struggles. Emily is struggling with writer's block while Zoe is trying to balance her work life and her relationship with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Mary is dealing with a failing business and Max is grappling with his sexuality.

The plot thickens when the family discovers that the internet and phone lines have been cut off due to a storm. This leads to a variety of situations where the family members are forced to confront each other face-to-face, without the distraction of technology. As the family navigates through their issues, they also discover a shared secret that tests their bonds even further.

Search Engines is an entertaining and humorous film that explores the impact of technology on family interactions. The screenplay, written by Michael Lovan, is cleverly constructed. It uses social media and search engine jargon to make poignant observations about the role of technology in our lives. This is also reflected in the film's title, which refers to the characters' reliance on technology to navigate their relationships.

The movie's strong point is its cast. Joely Fisher is excellent as the overbearing mother who wants everything to be perfect for Christmas. Natasha Gregson Wagner delivers a nuanced performance as Mary, who is trying to keep her business afloat while also dealing with relationship problems. Grace Folsom and Lily Holleman bring a refreshing energy to the film as the two sisters with differing worldviews. Jonathan Bennett delivers a strong performance as Max, the gay cousin who is struggling with his sexuality.

The film's director, Russell Brown, does a great job of capturing the claustrophobic constrictions of a family getaway. Brown uses static wide shots to highlight the isolation and confinement of the characters, while also using handheld camera movements to capture the intimate moments between them.

The movie's soundtrack, composed by George Kallis, is a mixture of nostalgic Christmas tunes and original pieces that perfectly capture the mood of the film. The music complements the dialogue and the family dynamics, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Overall, Search Engines is a poignant and entertaining film that explores the complicated dynamics of a family under one roof during the holidays. The film is relatable to its audience due to its commentary on the role of technology in our lives and our relationships. It is a film that will make you laugh, reflect, and appreciate the people in your life.