“Susie Searches” has discovered a house. A press launch introduced that Vertical scored rights to Sophie Kargman’s characteristic debut, a thriller comedy a few podcaster that premiered on the 2022 version of the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition.

Slated for a day-and-date launch later this yr, “Susie Searches” follows Susie (Kiersey Clemons, “Dope”), an “awkward school pupil with a failing true-crime podcast [who] seizes the chance to spice up her campus and on-line reputation by fixing the mysterious disappearance of Jesse (Alex Wolff), a campus heart-throb. Along with her star on the rise, occasions take a darkish flip as Susie digs out the reality and shortly finds herself in over her head,” the movie’s synopsis teases.

“I used to be taken with making each an elevated style movie and detailed character research that speaks to our common drive for love and validation,” Kargman informed us. “On the floor, ‘Susie Searches’ is a darkly comedic thriller. However the story is mostly a cautionary story about our society’s present fixation with insta-celebrity—and the way it may even harm good individuals with optimistic intentions.”

Vertical’s SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi commented, “Sophie has pulled off a outstanding tonal balancing act, crafting a movie wherein the chilling twists and hilarious comedy beats are equally startling and hold the viewers on their toes. That is anchored by the endearing and layered efficiency from Kiersey Clemons, and we’re excited for audiences to be plunged into the thriller together with her.”