Why Watch? Tapping into human nature means scanning the stars and the self.

It might have been easy for director Mark Buchanan to deliver airy faux-philosophy with this concept, but he wisely avoids it in exchange for a genuine human story of a troubled family, a piece of technology meant to find life on other planets, and a reminder that we’re not alone.

Part science-non-fiction, part Lives of Others, this film is effortlessly engaging through a smart blend of camera work and sound where voices often come from off screen, and writing that makes us ache to learn the people behind those voices. This is human foibles and failings and drama and humor done brilliantly well.

What does it cost? Just 12 minutes of your time.

Check out The Search for yourself:

THE SEARCH (2009)

Trust us. You have time for more short films.