“Susie Searches” has found a home. A press release announced that Vertical scored rights to Sophie Kargman’s feature debut, a mystery comedy about a podcaster that premiered at the 2022 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.

Slated for a day-and-date release later this year, “Susie Searches” follows Susie (Kiersey Clemons, “Dope”), an “awkward college student with a failing true-crime podcast [who] seizes the opportunity to boost her campus and online popularity by solving the mysterious disappearance of Jesse (Alex Wolff), a campus heart-throb. With her star on the rise, events take a dark turn as Susie digs out the truth and soon finds herself in over her head,” the film’s synopsis teases.

“I was interested in making both an elevated genre film and detailed character study that speaks to our universal drive for love and validation,” Kargman told us. “On the surface, ‘Susie Searches’ is a darkly comedic mystery. But the story is really a cautionary tale about our society’s current fixation with insta-celebrity—and how it can even damage good people with positive intentions.”

Vertical’s SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi commented, “Sophie has pulled off a remarkable tonal balancing act, crafting a film in which the chilling twists and hilarious comedy beats are equally startling and keep the audience on their toes. This is anchored by the endearing and layered performance from Kiersey Clemons, and we’re excited for audiences to be plunged into the mystery with her.”