Above Suspicion
Above Suspicion is a British TV series based on Lynda La Plante's novels Above Suspicion, The Red Dahlia, Deadly Intent and Silent Scream. It stars Kelly Reilly and Ciarán Hinds, and features the career of La Plante's latest heroine DC Anna Travis. The first series, Above Suspicion, was shown on the fourth and fifth of January 2009; the second series, Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia, was shown on the fourth, fifth and sixth of January 2010. The third series, Above Suspicion: Deadly Intent, was shown on the third, fourth and fifth of January 2011. The fourth series, Above Suspicion – Silent Scream was shown on the ninth, sixteenth and twenty-third of January 2012; in a break from the previous broadcasts, which were broadcast on consecutive days, this latest tale was serialised weekly. ITV cancelled Above Suspicion on May 28, 2012.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in the gritty coal-mining town of Pikeville, Kentucky, this film follows the harrowing true story of Mark Putnam, a decorated FBI agent who becomes dangerously entangled with Susan Smith, a local woman with a history of drug abuse. Their illicit affair quickly escalates, blurring the lines between professional duty and personal obsession, leading to a series of devastating consequences for everyone involved.
Critical Reception
Above Suspicion received a mixed reception from critics, who often praised the performances of its lead actors, particularly Emilia Clarke, and the film's tense atmosphere. However, many reviews noted that the narrative felt somewhat predictable and that the film struggled to fully explore the complex psychological depths of its characters and the societal issues it touched upon.
What Reviewers Say
- Emilia Clarke delivers a compelling performance that anchors the film.
- The film effectively builds a sense of dread and suspense.
- Despite strong performances, the story treads familiar territory and lacks deeper exploration.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally acknowledge the strong performances, especially from Emilia Clarke, and the film's suspenseful elements. Some viewers found the plot to be engaging, while others felt it was predictable or that the characters' motivations could have been explored further.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the non-fiction book 'Above Suspicion' by Joe Sharkey, which details the true story of Mark Putnam and Susan Smith.
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