‘Susie Searches’: Vertical closes on North American rights to TIFF film starring Kiersey Clemons, Alex Wolff, Jim Gaffigan, Ken Marino and Rachel Sennett
Exclusive: The vertical mystery comedy has secured North American rights Search Susie which premiered at TIFF 2022. Based on her 2020 short film of the same name, Sophie Kargman makes her feature film directorial debut and shares story credit with the film’s writer William De Frank. It stars Kiersey Clemons (dope), Alex Wolff (Hereditary), Jim Gaffigan (Chappaquiddick)Ken Marino (walk around), and Rachel Sennett (Body body bodies)
The film is slated for a one-date release later this year. Fortitude International will begin international sales of the title at this week’s EFM.
The film follows Susie (Clemons), an awkward college student with a failed true-crime podcast, who uses the opportunity to boost her campus and online popularity by solving the mysterious disappearance of Jesse (Wolf), the campus heart-throb. As her star rises, events take a dark turn when Susie discovers the truth and soon finds herself in over her head.
Search Susie Produced by Magnetic Labs (formerly 141 Entertainment) with Nicola Smith co-produced by Adam Mirells and Robbie Mirells (Ingrid Goes West, Mona Lisa and Blood Moon), and Jamie Fairweather, David B. Newhouse and Clemons executive produce. Kargman.
Adam Meirelles and Robbie Meirelles of Magnetic Labs commented, “We love giving filmmakers their first shot and Sophie knocked it out of the park with Susie Searches, a film sure to become a cult classic. We can’t wait for viewers to fall in love with Kiersey Clemons’ incredible performance as Susie and Alex Wolff’s deeply sympathetic portrayal of Jessie.
“Sophie pulls off a remarkable tonal balancing act, creating a film where chilling twists and hilarious comedic beats equally shock and keep audiences on their toes,” said Tony Piantedosi, SVP of acquisitions at Vertical. It’s anchored by Kiersey Clemons’ endearing and layered performance, and we’re excited for audiences to dive into the mystery with her.”
Vertical’s partners Peter Jaroi and Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical, while WME Independent and UTA Independent Film Group negotiated the production.
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