Is Suspect Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Suspect is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 121 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Suspect Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Suspect emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When a Supreme Court judge commits suicide and his secretary is found murdered, all fingers point to Carl Anderson, a homeless veteran who's deaf and mute. Unlike standard genre fare, Suspect attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Suspect features a noteworthy lineup led by Cher . Supported by the likes of Dennis Quaid and Liam Neeson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Suspect (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Suspect Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Suspect is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Suspect Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Suspect concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Suspect reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Suspect Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Suspect incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Suspect adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Suspect?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Suspect Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $18.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Suspect
- Cher – Kathleen Riley
- Dennis Quaid – Eddie Sanger
- Liam Neeson – Carl Wayne Anderson
- John Mahoney – Judge Matthew Bishop Helms
- Joe Mantegna – Charlie Stella
Top Highlights
CherKathleen Riley
Dennis QuaidEddie Sanger
Liam NeesonCarl Wayne Anderson
John MahoneyJudge Matthew Bishop Helms
Joe MantegnaCharlie Stella
Philip BoscoPaul Gray
E. Katherine KerrGrace Comisky
Fred MelamedMorty Rosenthal
Bill CobbsJudge Franklin
Richard GantEverett Bennett
Where to Watch Suspect Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Suspect is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Suspect stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suspect movie hit or flop?
Suspect has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Suspect worth watching?
Suspect is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Suspect online?
Suspect may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Suspect
The innocent shall know the glory of heaven! Peter Yates directs and Eric Roth writes the screenplay. It stars Cher, Dennis Quaid, Liam Neeson, John Mahoney and Joe Mantegna. Music is by Michael Kamen and cinematography by Billy Williams. Pot has Cher as a public defender tasked with defending a deaf and mute homeless man accused of murder. It's a solid legal eagle thriller is this, it opens with a dramatic suicide and the discovery of a woman's dead body, and then runs through many of the staples of feature film courtroom shenanigans. There's some spice thrown in for good measure as the lawyer and a member of the jury get too close for comfort, while the central premise of a deaf and mute person being the accused makes for fascinating viewing - the makers obviously having a social awareness of the issue. As the mystery to be solved question holds the attention, pic does descend into the realm of the far fetched with the behaviour of Cher and Quaid's characters. It's also not something of a shock once the big reveal arrives. Yet this has enough savvy performances, nice technical touches (William's cinematography sparkles at times) and a strong pot boiling premise, to make it well worth the time invested with it. 7/10
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
