Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clever dark comedy has language, moments of violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Susie Searches
What's the Story?
In SUSIE SEARCHES, a young woman named Susie (Kiersey Clemons) dreams of becoming famous through her true-crime podcast. She finally sees it start to happen when she solves the kidnapping of one of her college's most popular students, Jesse (Alex Wolff). But as both she and Jesse become more well known, she starts to find herself becoming trapped in a web of her own making.
Is It Any Good?
Susie Searches is a twisty, fun, and engaging film. Clemons brings relatability to a role that is, at its core, a non-heroic character. Susie's bubbliness and happy veneer put a fresh face on the type of character who wants fame so badly that they'll do anything to achieve it. Wolff brings his own brand of vulnerability to the film as Jesse, who's too pure for the world he inhabits. Other comedic actors, including Jim Gaffigan, Rachel Sennot, David Walton, and Ken Marino (who also shows off a more menacing side), also help make the film funny enough to lighten its heavy subject matter. Overall, Susie Searches is a funny and entertaining feature debut for writer-director Sophie Kargman.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the tone of Susie Searches. Is it a comedy? A drama? A mystery? All of the above?
Why is Susie obsessed with becoming famous? How does she think her podcast will help her do that? Why does she take certain actions in the film? How would you describe her ethics?
How does the relationship between Susie and Jesse develop? How do Susie's expectations drive her actions?
Do you think Susie learns a lesson from her actions in the end?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 28, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : July 28, 2023
- Cast : Kiersey Clemons , Alex Wolff , Jim Gaffigan , Ken Marino
- Director : Sophie Kargman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 3, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate