Above Suspicion 2021
Directed by
Phillip Noyce
Made by
Lionsgate
Plot Summary
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.
Timeline
Mark's Assignment
Young and ambitious FBI agent Mark Putnam graduates from the academy and receives his first assignment in the troubled mining town of Pikeville, Kentucky. This marks a critical moment for him as it represents his opportunity to prove himself in the FBI.
Mark Meets Susan
While settling into his new role, Mark meets Susan Smith, a single mother in financial distress. Their initial relationship as informant and agent quickly begins to evolve as they spend more time together, leading to a complicated emotional connection.
Susan's Struggles
Susan, coping with the aftermath of her divorce from Cash, gets entangled in the local drug scene. She and her brother Bones organize drug-fueled parties as a means to support themselves, highlighting the desperation in her situation.
The Drug Raid
During a confrontation that escalates into violence, Mark and Sheriff Randy McCoy conduct a raid on Susan's home. They uncover a hidden stash of drugs, which intensifies the already complicated dynamics between Mark, Susan, and their respective lives.
Building Trust
As their relationship deepens, Mark works hard to gain Susan's trust, offering compensation for insider information about a local bank robbery. This collaboration not only strengthens their bond but also brings excitement and danger into their lives.
Jealousy Brews
With the increased success of their operation, jealousy creeps in as another informant, Denver Rhodes, enters the picture. Mark becomes fully consumed by the case, leaving Susan feeling neglected and suspicious about his feelings for her.
Confrontation with Cash
Cash discovers Susan's ongoing affair with Mark, leading to a violent confrontation. In the midst of this chaos, Susan turns to Kathy, Mark's wife, creating a web of betrayal that significantly complicates their lives.
A Critical Choice
After a series of intense events, including a misguided FBI raid, Susan makes the difficult decision to seek help from Bob Singer, marking a crucial turning point in her life. This decision not only affects her but also has significant ramifications for Mark.
Pregnancy Revealed
In an emotionally charged moment, Susan reveals to Mark that she is pregnant. This announcement escalates the stakes dramatically, forcing both characters to confront their feelings and the impending consequences of their actions.
The Shocking Climax
The story reaches a climax as Mark confesses to Kathy about his affair with Susan. The ramifications of his choices become evident, leading to a tragic conclusion that shakes the foundations of their lives and impacts the entire community.
Mark Faces Consequences
As the fallout from the emotional upheaval settles, Mark finds himself facing serious legal consequences for his actions. This imprisonment not only affects him but also reverberates through the lives of those around him, causing deep emotional scars.
Reflections on Loyalty and Love
In the aftermath of the chaos, the characters are forced to reevaluate their understandings of loyalty, love, and the consequences of their choices. The events leave a lasting impact on their lives, enriching the narrative with complexity and emotional depth.
Characters
Mark Putnam (Jack Huston)
Mark Putnam is a young, ambitious FBI agent whose drive to succeed leads him into a complicated entanglement with a local woman. He is characterized by his determination and the inner conflict between professional duty and personal desires. As the story unfolds, Mark's choices reveal the fragility of loyalty and the dire consequences of his actions.
Susan Smith (Emilia Clarke)
Susan Smith is a single mother caught in a web of desperation and survival in the local drug scene. Initially seen as an informant, her complex character unfolds as she becomes intertwined with Mark's life. Her struggle between securing a future for her family and navigating the dangerous world around her adds depth to her character.
Kathy Putnam (Sophie Lowe)
Kathy Putnam is Mark's supportive wife, whose life becomes increasingly complicated by her husband's choices. She embodies the theme of loyalty and unsuspecting betrayal as she navigates her relationship with Mark and the unexpected intrusion of Susan into their lives. Her emotional turmoil highlights the collateral damage of Mark's decisions.
Cash (Johnny Knoxville)
Cash is Susan's ex-husband, a character marked by his frustration and jealousy. His presence introduces an additional layer of tension, particularly as he becomes aware of Susan's infidelity. Cash represents the darker aspects of relationships, showcasing how past connections can complicate present situations.
Denver Rhodes (Omar Benson Miller)
Denver Rhodes is a new informant who brings critical information to Mark about a major drug operation. His character serves as a catalyst for the escalating tension in Mark and Susan's relationship. Denver's introduction into the narrative adds complexity to the existing dynamics of trust and rivalry.
Bob Singer (Kevin Dunn)
Bob Singer is a figure of authority within the FBI, representing the institutional pressure and expectations placed on agents like Mark. His character serves as a reminder of the consequences of Mark's actions and the larger implications of their work in law enforcement.
Randy McCoy (Austin Hébert)
Randy McCoy is the local sheriff who partners with Mark during critical drug busts. His relationship with Mark is pivotal, serving both as a support system and a reflection of local law enforcement challenges. Randy's character illustrates the division between federal and local responses to crime.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary time period, reflecting the socio-economic issues of small-town America. The events occur amidst rising drug activity and social challenges, offering a true-to-life portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals in such environments.
Location
Pikeville, Kentucky
Pikeville is a small, rural mining town in Kentucky, known for its close-knit community and struggles with economic hardship. The picturesque but troubled landscape serves as the backdrop for the intense drama that unfolds, highlighting the challenges faced by its residents, particularly in relation to crime and survival.
Themes
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme in the film, intricately woven into the lives of the characters. As Mark navigates his dual commitments to Susan and Kathy, the emotional fallout reveals the pain and complexity of trust. The climax of the story underscores the tragic consequences of broken loyalties.
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Moral Dilemmas
The movie explores moral dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly Mark, as he grapples with the consequences of his choices. The interaction between duty and personal desire showcases the conflicts inherent in law enforcement, pushing characters to make life-altering decisions that impact everyone involved.
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Crime and Consequences
Set against the backdrop of crime, the film delves into the implications of illegal activities on community members. The intertwining paths of law enforcement and local residents create a tense atmosphere, emphasizing how crime entangles lives and ultimately leads to devastating outcomes.
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