Susie Searches

I really didn't know what to expect with this film. On the surface it seemed like a very tame little mystery-adventure film possibly aimed at teenagers and that general age-range. Delving a little deeper though I could tell that not everything was as straight-forward as it seemed. There was an oddly talented cast who weren't going to sign up for just anything. Also Alex Wolff was involved with the project, and I've noticed he likes to take on roles in darker-themed movies. It was all a bit baffling. And somehow despite all this I was still kind of surprised by what the actual story was. I liked it though. It was far from being as straight-forward as I feared it was going to be. There were some twisted moral dilemmas and some very dark and sinister characters in the mix. The other thing that I liked was that I really didn't know how it was going to end. It found a fun little way to surprise me in that sense. This was a good one. 8/10.

My wife will watch almost anything. Mysteries and detective shows are her favorite. She turned this one off after it became painfully obvious that Susie was the kidnapper. This was too stupid for a woman who watched all the seasons of Survivor. I was turned off from the beginning when every Caucasian was a horrible human being. They've got Jim Gaffigan playing his most slothful and slovenly useless stereotype as the town sheriff. Her coworker is an insensitive... well I can't use the word that best describes her here because it's not allowed. The sheriff's deputy is the worst stereotype of a white man with a badge I have ever seen in a movie. The reporters are... I don't think I can use that word either... just think of a container filled with water and vinegar for feminine hygiene and you'll get what I mean. Her boss is a moron. I doubt the quality of white folks would improve as the show goes on because I think in the first 30 minutes we see all the actors who have lines in the movie. If that's what makes people feel good in 2024 then you can have it. I am repulsed by such a ham handed approach in a movie.

Sophie Kargman has written/directed a little masterpiece. The editing, music, sound effects, and the occasional very long take, keep you riveted to the movie. Kiersey Clemons plays the true crime podcaster with tremendous care, she's doing some very odd things very matter-of-fact-ly, very calmly. The twists and turns make it impossible to say much about the plot - indeed, you'll have the most fun watching if you know nothing about it. I found myself wondering a few times, now that I know that, where are we going? Oh...there! The arcs and the lively editing, music, and sound effects kept me glued to the screen, saying what? At times, and laughing a few times.

This was pleasant to watch. Don't think too much about the plot - there are loop-holes (like how did Susie manage to kidnap Jesse??!!) All the characters are a good fit, with lots of comedic moments. It's a movie that got better as it went along, with good twists and turns. The music was also apt - very Hitchcockian. Susie is very endearing - and so are most of the other characters, like her friends, the police, professors. Co-workers at the fast-food joint... It never takes itself too seriously, with even the tense moments in the basement being rather tongue-in-cheek. Definitely worth a watch!

source: Susie Searches

source: Susie Searches

IF YOU'RE THINKING OF SEEING THIS MOVIE PLEEASE SEE IT! I thought it would be for kids even teenagers but adults can easily see this movie; the background music is terrific it gives you chills throughout the movie, the way susie and jessie's expressions are so masterfully done, it's fast paced , no nudity just straight to the point i wish more movies would be made like this; its perfect for those who want to be spooked but not to the level of scary faces; the ending was icing on the top. Jessie's trauma can easily be seen through his wonderful acting and you feel bad for him throughout. It's sad cause movies today that are actually watched the most are ones with nudity, swearing and violence so these underrated movies don't come to light.

I loved this cheerfully dark detective story. The plotting subverted my expectations several times. The Director did an amazing job of balancing the dark true crime elements while being self aware and funny. The cast of characters were all likeable and quirky giving the events a quaint small town atmosphere. This film deserves more love, and I would love to see more from this Director. Seriously great work from everyone all around. The music and sound design were also incredibly tasteful, and I got both a cute coming of age story mixed with a creepy true crime narrative. The rotten tomatoes critics have unfairly rated this piece so low. The audience got it right. This was a fantastic little film. I haven't seen such good work from an indie in a while.

Clemons delivers a stunning performance here, and the supporting cast is also very strong. I really enjoyed the way the movie plays with genre tropes from both amateur detective stories and slasher flicks. It's almost painfully awkward to watch at times, but that's the point. And while we may struggle to like certain characters at certain times, most are treated with empathy. It's the kind of movie where you realize a moment before the twist what's going to happen, which for me was satisfying rather than predictable. It feels fresh and yet the story holds together and has a consistent tone. Deserves a better rating!

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