Susie Searches

Social media and the true-crime craze gets skewered in this energetic and tonally bold thriller as shy college student and nascent podcaster Susie (Kiersey Clemons, “Hearts Beat Loud”) sets out to investigate the sudden disappearance of one of her classmates (Alex Wolff, “Hereditary”). —M.G.

Subverting the conventions of both true-crime media and heartwarming underdog comedies, SUSIE SEARCHES is a dark comedy with surprises at every turn. Kiersey Clemons stars as the titular outsider, attending college part-time while caring for an ailing mother and devoting herself to her true-crime podcast. A chance to grow her meager listenership presents itself with the case of a missing student who has his own massive social media following. As Susie’s podcast gains attention along with her buzzy subject, she begins an unexpected crash course in ethics, deception, and obsession. With a hilarious supporting cast—including Alex Wolff, Rachel Sennott, and Jim Gaffigan—the film takes thrilling, unpredictable turns at skewering the isolating confines of social media and the small town rumor mill, all while providing big laughs. —C.F.