Above Suspicion (2019)

Interesting True Crime Story - Above Suspicion review by GI

Based on a true story this sets itself up as an erotic thriller but soon reveals itself as a true crime noir melodrama with Emilia Clarke giving a first rate performance in the central role. The story itself, one of corruption and misogyny, perhaps deserves a bigger film or maybe an extended TV series than what is delivered here but it's an interesting effort and at times quite compelling. Jack Huston is new, keen and ambitious FBI agent Mark Puttnam assigned to a small office in Kentucky. When along with the local police he busts a local coke dealer he sees an opportunity to recruit long suffering Susan (Clarke) as an informant. She in turn sees an opportunity to improve her life and perhaps get away from the small town abuse she has suffered at the hands of the men in her life. This is where the issues with the film really begin as Susan is at times revealed as a victim but also as manipulative femme fatale who seduces Mark into a dangerous sexual relationship, which threatens his career and marriage. The character of Mark is less complicated in that he allows himself to become sexually obsessed with Susan resulting in his need to be rid of her. He is ultimately a weak man, far too impressed with himself and who resorts to violence to cover his mistakes. The emotional dysfunction is what is at play here and the film never really gets to full and satisfying grip with it. Overall though this has an interesting and at times compelling story to tell and both Clarke and Huston are excellent.