EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has secured North American rights to the thriller comedy Susie Searches which premiered at TIFF 2022. Based mostly on her 2020 quick movie of the identical identify, Sophie Kargman makes her characteristic movie directorial debut and shares story credit score alongside the movie’s author William Day Frank. It stars Kiersey Clemons (Dope), Alex Wolff (Hereditary), Jim Gaffigan (Chappaquiddick), Ken Marino (Wanderlust), and Rachel Sennott (Our bodies Our bodies Our bodies).

The movie is slated for a day-and-date launch later this yr. Fortitude Worldwide will likely be launching worldwide gross sales on the title at this week’s EFM.

The movie follows Susie (Clemons), a clumsy faculty scholar with a failing true-crime podcast, who seizes the chance to spice up her campus and on-line recognition by fixing the mysterious disappearance of Jesse (Wolff), the 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.

Susie Searches is produced by Magnetic Labs (previously 141 Leisure) by producers Adam Mirels and Robbie Mirels (Ingrid Goes West, Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon) with Nicola Smith co-producing, and Clemons government producing together with Jaimie Fairweather, David B. Newhouse and Kargman.

Adam Mirels and Robbie Mirels of Magnetic Labs commented, “We love giving filmmakers their first shot and Sophie has knocked it out of the park with Susie Searches, a movie that’s positive to develop into a cult traditional. We will’t look forward to audiences to expertise Kiersey Clemons’ phenomenal efficiency as Susie and to fall in love with Alex’s Wolff’s deeply empathetic portrayal of Jesse.”

Vertical’s SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi says, “Sophie has pulled off a outstanding tonal balancing act, crafting a movie during which the chilling twists and hilarious comedy beats are equally startling and maintain 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.”

Vertical’s Associate Peter Jarowey and Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical, whereas WME Unbiased and UTA Unbiased Movie Group negotiated on behalf of the manufacturing.