Suspect Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Cher defends Liam Neeson, who can’t talk, from a murder charge while flirting with Dennis Quaid, who’s on the jury, and it turns out the real killer is just *really* trying to get a promotion.

🍿 Suspect: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Justice’s Suicide and a Murder

The film opens with a Supreme Court Justice taking his own life shortly after handing an envelope to his secretary, Elizabeth Quinn. Soon after, Quinn is found murdered, and suspicion falls on Carl Wayne Anderson, a homeless, deaf-mute Vietnam veteran, who was found sleeping in her car. The car was abandoned in a parking lot.

Kathleen Riley Takes the Case

Kathleen Riley, a public defender, is assigned to represent Anderson. She initially struggles to communicate with him but slowly earns his trust. Riley believes in Anderson’s innocence and starts investigating the case, convinced that there is more to the murder than meets the eye. Meanwhile, Eddie Sanger, a lobbyist, is selected for jury duty in Anderson’s trial.

An Unlikely Alliance

Sanger, intrigued by the case and drawn to Riley, begins his own investigation, sharing information with her despite the ethical and legal implications. Together, they uncover evidence suggesting a connection between Quinn’s murder and a fixed case from 1968. This leads them to suspect a high-ranking official within the Justice Department is involved.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kathleen Riley (Cher): A dedicated but overworked public defender who takes on the challenging case of a deaf-mute homeless man accused of murder and uncovers a conspiracy.
• Carl Wayne Anderson (Liam Neeson): A homeless, deaf-mute Vietnam veteran who is wrongly accused of murder, relying on his lawyer to prove his innocence.
• Eddie Sanger (Dennis Quaid): A charming Capitol Hill lobbyist and juror who becomes involved in the case and helps Kathleen Riley uncover the truth, risking his career.
• Judge Matthew Bishop Helms (John Mahoney): The stern and unsympathetic judge presiding over Anderson’s trial, who is later revealed to be the true killer protecting a dark secret from his past.
• Charlie Stella (Joe Mantegna): The prosecutor in Anderson’s trial, representing the state’s case against the accused.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kathleen Riley: “I spend all of my day with murders and rapists, and what’s really crazy, I like them.” – This line captures Kathleen’s cynical yet dedicated personality as a public defender.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,782,400
• Worldwide Gross: $18,782,400

💥 Suspect Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this movie as a kid and being completely hooked. Cher was so cool as the lawyer, and I was genuinely worried about Liam Neeson’s character. The scene where they break into the Justice Department was so suspenseful, and I loved trying to figure out who the real killer was. The ending reveal was a total shock! It made me want to study law, which I never did. Still a fun watch for a nostalgic trip.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of courtroom dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in crime thrillers with a touch of romance”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from leading actors”
  • “Anyone looking for a suspenseful movie with a surprising twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive situations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A compelling if somewhat far-fetched legal thriller, Suspect boasts strong performances from its leads. Cher shines as the public defender, while Quaid brings a charming intensity. While the plot stretches credibility, the engaging characters and suspenseful atmosphere make it a worthwhile watch.
• The New York Times: “Suspect is an exciting and well-acted movie. Cher is excellent and it’s amazing that the character of Carl Wayne Anderson is played by Liam Neeson. Cher and Dennis Quaid create great chemistry.

Audience Reactions

Cher’s performance as the determined public defender is surprisingly effective and captivating.: Most viewers praise the engaging performances of the main cast, particularly Cher and Liam Neeson.

The movie’s plot is not credible, but the chemistry between Dennis Quaid and Cher is great: Many agree that the courtroom drama is suspenseful with twists and turns.

Overall Consensus: A generally well-received legal thriller with engaging performances, despite some plot implausibilities. Cher shines in a role that surprised many, and the film offers sufficient suspense to keep viewers entertained.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Liam Neeson lived in a Washington, D.C. homeless shelter for two days to prepare for his role as Carl Anderson.”
• “Director Peter Yates is also known for directing ‘Bullitt’ (1968), famous for its innovative car chase scene.”
• “The film’s opening weekend gross was $4,152,015.”
• “Several reviewers have praised Cher’s performance as a public defender, noting her ability to be convincing and interesting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Suspect?

As of today, you can rent or buy ‘Suspect’ on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as options may vary. You can also search for purchase options on other digital retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Suspect, you might like these similar films:

• Primal Fear (1996): Both are legal thrillers with shocking courtroom reveals and explore themes of justice and deception.
• The Verdict (1982): Features a morally conflicted lawyer battling corruption within the legal system.
• Jagged Edge (1985): A suspenseful courtroom drama from the same era with twists and turns, focusing on the defense of a charismatic suspect.
• Fracture (2007): A modern thriller where a lawyer gets caught up in a cat-and-mouse game with a seemingly untouchable suspect.
• The Star Chamber (1983): Explores the theme of corruption and the dark side of the justice system, where frustrated judges take the law into their own hands.

🛒 Suspect Related Products

• Liam Neeson – 5-Film Collection: A collection of 5 iconic Liam Neeson movies. Experience the intensity and depth of Neeson’s performances in various genres. Includes ‘Suspect’.
• The Essential Cher: The Ultimate Collection: A comprehensive collection of Cher’s greatest hits, showcasing her musical talent and versatility. Hear the tracks that defined her career.
• Legal Thriller Novels: A collection of legal thriller novels with engaging plots and complex characters.
• Courtroom Sketch Art Set: Bring the courtroom to life with a collection of authentic sketch art.

🎧 Soundtrack

Suspect features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “End of the Line” – performed by Traveling Wilburys
• “He Was In Heaven Before He Died” – performed by Mica Paris

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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Always wondered what the Hungarian mobster was actually saying in ‘The Usual Suspects’? This video finally translates his dialogue, revealing some interesting details that you might have missed. I found it surprisingly insightful!

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