Above Suspicion 2021

Based on a true story, an ambitious FBI agent is assigned to a small Kentucky town and develops a complex relationship with a troubled local woman who claims to be an informant. As their affair intensifies, it spirals out of control, leading them both down a perilous path. The situation escalates to a shocking point, ultimately resulting in the conviction of an FBI agent for murder, exposing a devastating chain of events.

Based on a true story, an ambitious FBI agent is assigned to a small Kentucky town and develops a complex relationship with a troubled local woman who claims to be an informant. As their affair intensifies, it spirals out of control, leading them both down a perilous path. The situation escalates to a shocking point, ultimately resulting in the conviction of an FBI agent for murder, exposing a devastating chain of events.

Does Above Suspicion have end credit scenes?

No!

Above Suspicion does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Above Suspicion

Explore the complete cast of Above Suspicion, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Above Suspicion

See how Above Suspicion is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Above Suspicion stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

48

Above Suspicion delivers a gritty true‑crime premise anchored by Emilia Clarke's committed performance, yet the film struggles to sustain narrative momentum. Critics note uneven direction and a lack of visual distinctiveness, while audience reactions swing between praise for the lead and frustration with the sluggish pacing. The combined effect is a work that offers moments of intrigue but often feels under‑cooked, resulting in a mixed overall impression.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Above Suspicion

45
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film appears restrained and occasionally flat. Critics highlight a cold, blue‑steel aesthetic that fails to fully evoke the Appalachian setting, and reviewers point to standard, unremarkable framing. While some technical elements such as production design receive modest acknowledgment, the overall artistic execution lacks the dynamism needed to elevate the material.

75
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character work, Emilia Clarke's portrayal stands out as a nuanced and compelling focal point. Both critics and users commend her ability to convey emotional depth despite limited screen time, and supporting performances are described as solid. Though some reviewers feel secondary characters are under‑developed, the central acting strengths contribute positively to the film's emotional resonance.

40
Echo Score

Story & Flow

The narrative structure receives mixed feedback, with many finding the plot meandering and the pacing overly deliberate. Critics argue the story's potential is undermined by a delivery that feels more like a factual summary than engaging cinema. Audience comments echo this sentiment, describing the film as slow and at times uninteresting, which detracts from the overall storytelling effectiveness.

45
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Sensory elements such as sound design and visual style are perceived as serviceable but unremarkable. Reviews note the absence of a distinctive musical score and cite the cinematography as conventional, offering limited atmospheric impact. While technical competence is acknowledged, the sensory experience does not significantly enhance immersion or differentiate the film within its genre.

35
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Rewatch value appears limited, as the film's slow tempo and repetitive narrative beats reduce its appeal for multiple viewings. Critics and users alike suggest that the movie lacks memorable moments that would encourage return visits. Although a few viewers express strong admiration, the broader consensus points to a modest likelihood of revisiting the film.

Metacritic

46

Metascore

4.9

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

26%

TOMATOMETER

review

44%

User Score

IMDb

5.8 /10

IMDb Rating

Movie Insider

2.78/5

From 9 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Above Suspicion Movie Quiz

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Above Suspicion Quiz: Test your knowledge on the gripping drama 'Above Suspicion' and its intricate web of relationships and crime.

What is the profession of Mark Putnam?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Above Suspicion

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Read the complete plot summary of Above Suspicion, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Based on true events, this explosive film dives into the life of a young and ambitious FBI agent, Mark Putnam, who has just graduated from the academy and is assigned to the troubled mining town of Pikeville in rural Kentucky. This assignment is not just a job; it represents his chance to prove himself in his career while having his wife, Kathy Putnam, by his side. However, things take a complicated turn when he becomes deeply involved with a local woman, Susan Smith, who quickly transitions from just another informant to a central figure in his life.

Susan, a single mother struggling to make ends meet after her divorce from Cash, turns out to be heavily immersed in the local drug scene as a means of financial survival. Together with her brother Bones, they orchestrate drug-fueled parties to support their livelihoods. During one harrowing night, a confrontation escalates into violence, leading Mark and the local sheriff, Randy McCoy, to conduct a raid that unveils a hidden stash of drugs at Susan’s home. It is through these intense circumstances that Mark begins to see more than just the informant in Susan; she becomes a complex and alluring figure in his life.

As their relationship develops, Mark goes through great lengths to gain Susan’s trust, promising compensation for information about a local bank robber. This leads to a thrilling chase where Susan’s insight proves invaluable, and she revels in the glamour of being part of an FBI operation. However, their clandestine liaison deepens when she starts to cross paths with Kathy, unknowingly intertwining their fates.

But with success comes jealousy. When a new informant, Denver Rhodes, brings news about a major drug operation run by Rufus Green, Mark becomes consumed by the case, leaving Susan feeling neglected and suspicious of their relationship. As tensions rise at home, Cash discovers Susan’s infidelity, leading to a violent confrontation. Amid the chaos, Susan stalks back to Kathy’s house, further blurring the lines between love and betrayal.

After an intense string of events, including an FBI raid that goes awry, Susan chooses to protect herself by turning to Bob Singer, marking a critical pivot in her life. As she reveals her pregnancy to Mark, the stakes are raised further. The final outcome leads to a shocking climax where betrayal culminates tragically. Once he confesses to Kathy, Mark faces the consequences of his actions, serving time for a crime that shattered many lives in the small town.

In this gripping tale of passion, betrayal, and moral dilemmas, the intertwining lives of these characters paint a vivid picture of desperation in the quest for stability and love. The emotional stakes only rise as the drama unfolds, leaving audiences reevaluating the nature of loyalty and the consequences of choices made under pressure.

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Above Suspicion Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


sex scenepikeville kentuckyreference to john gottiarmed robberybank robberybar fightfbi agentvoice over narrationunder arrestsex with a confidential informantpregnant womancameo appearance by real life subjecttrue crimedrug addictcorrupt fbi agentmanslaughterbased on the novel of the same nameford mustang convertiblelie detector testbased on nonfiction novelextramarital affairfbi field officemassive unemploymentambulancemurder of a pregnant womanunfaithful husbandnarration from the graveappalachian mountainssheriff's deputylove bitefbi informantfemale to male foot in crotchepiloguepercocetdrug partypagerkentuckyseductionstalkerbroken neckfamily relationshipsstory told from different perspectivesstrip mine1980sinfidelitytitle co produced by femalenepotismoral sexabandoned mineerotic thriller
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