What We Found

"What We Found" is a riveting and intense crime thriller film directed by Ben Hickernell in the year 2020. The film features a brilliant cast consisting of well-known talents such as Elizabeth Mitchell, Giorgia Whigham, and James Ransone. It intricately weaves a tale around the subject of disappearance, teenage pals, and heavy secrets that threaten to tip the scale from normalcy to chaos.

The movie revolves around the character of Holly, played by Jordan Hall. Holly is at the threshold of venturing into adulthood, a defining time in her life. As the first-generation high-school senior prepared for college, she was primed to break out of her shell, of her small town, and the oppressive life she leads there. But a crisis befalls her way, shattering the normalcy of her life, as her best friend, Chaz, disappears right before school starts.

The charismatic Chaz, with his unique persona, was the nucleus of their group. The group comprised Holly, her new friends Charlotte portrayed by Giorgia Whigham and Leonard portrayed by Oona Lawrence, along with their math teacher, Mr. Collins played by Yetide Badaki. Chaz’s disappearance and the subsequent police investigation raises turmoil, forcing them to confront the unexpected links forming amongst them.

Elizabeth Mitchell, renowned for her roles in projects such as "The Purge: Election Year," essays the role of Holly’s mother, Katherine. Katherine is left to navigate the turbulent waters of her daughter’s teenage years while grappling with her own past mistakes and fears. Elizabeth Mitchell portrays the profound complexities of a mother-daughter relationship beautifully, mirroring the raw emotions and complexities that come with parenthood.

Giorgia Whigham, popular for her strong roles in series such as "13 Reasons Why," brings her sharp instincts and unwavering spirit to the role of Charlotte. Her character evolves throughout the movie, taking uncontrollable turns spinning the plot and heightening the suspense of the narrative. She keeps viewers on the edge with the compelling authenticity of her performance.

Adding a layer of thrill to the narrative, James Ransone, known for his role in Hulu's "The First," successfully provides significant amplification to the intensity of the plot as the town’s leading investigator. His ruthless pursuit of the truth and justice in the face of flawed procedures and systems adds the essence of mystery and suspense to the narrative.

The narrative does not shy away from delving into grave social issues like opioid addiction, which is rampant in small American towns, thereby making the film a distinctive social commentary. The incorporation of relevant teenage problems like bullying and insecurity provides a realistic perspective to the storyline, enriching it further.

What distinguishes "What We Found" from other crime narrative is the prominence of teenagers as the front runners of the investigation. They contend with the local police station's restrictive mechanisms and even their parents' skepticism to uncover the apparent truth behind the gripping mystery. This is more than just a kidnapping chronicle. It delves astoundingly into the discovery of self, understanding the bonds of friendship and the lengths to which one would go to protect it.

"What We Found" with its strong character narratives is a deftly composed film with an organic unfolding of events. It encapsulates the voyeuristic pleasure of true crime gaming and the drama of teen angst, making it a suspense-drenched tale of youth battling professorial and systematic apathy. The production brings to life scriptwriter, Ben Hickernell’s intent of unraveling the teens' narratives against the dreary backdrop of a murder investigation.

Gripping and full of suspense, "What We Found" pushes usual crime thrillers' boundaries, leaving viewers guessing until the very end. It combines the allure of mystery, the depth of human emotion, and the spirit of youthful determination to serve a captivating experience, guaranteeing viewers a unique cinematic experience.

Whether you're a fan of thrilling mysteries, intense drama, or explorations of human relationships under stress, "What We Found" is worthy of a screening. It's an intriguing roller-coaster ride of emotions that you should not miss.