A black man with a gun robs the local bank in a small Minnesota town. Shortly after, the cops also find a black man, covered in dirt, walking along the side of the road. He claims to be looking at a nearby property. There are no black residents in the town. The cops have found their criminal, right?
This is just a small part of the premise of “The Suspect,” one that serves as the perfect setup to a psychological thriller. Just when you think you’ve gotten a little bit of a handle on the plot or one of the characters, there’s another twist. This film is neither for the faint of heart nor weak of stomach, nor is it for someone looking to have a relaxing, mindless, hour–and–a–half study break. This is a movie for those who like to think and be challenged. Watching it is a totally active film–going experience: Your mind will be working like you’re in class, and your heart will be racing like you’re at the gym.
“The Suspect” is a crime mystery, thrilling and exciting, with a strong cast led by Mekhi Phifer (“8 Mile” and “ER”). But it is also a strikingly poignant film about racial profiling and bias. It is the combination of the genre and the topic that make it so powerful and entertaining. No matter how open–minded and liberal you are, no matter how much education and knowledge you have, no matter the color of your skin—you have some biases and “The Suspect” will throw them in your face.
Grade: A
Runtime: 98 min.
See if you liked: “The Usual Suspects”
