Suspect (1987)

Suspect is the kind of smart, propulsive Washington thriller that earns your attention the old-fashioned way: with sharp suspense, human stakes, and a mystery that tightens like a noose. Cher is genuinely compelling as a public defender who refuses to treat her client like a headline, grounding the film with a credible toughness that makes every courtroom beat and late-night lead feel urgent. The direction keeps the tension humming without resorting to cheap tricks, and the chemistry between the unlikely allies investigating the case adds just enough wit and warmth to make the ride fun as well as gripping. It’s not a twist-a-minute conspiracy epic, and a few story turns may feel a bit convenient, but if you like adult thrillers with strong performances and a steady pulse, this one delivers.

Suspect wants to be a classy Washington legal thriller with a conscience, using a vulnerable defendant and a messy system to build suspense and moral urgency. The problem is the story often feels like it’s pushing pieces around rather than letting the mystery earn itself—expect plot gaps, convenient turns, and dialogue that can slide into cliché. If you’re the kind of viewer who needs airtight logic and a fair-play resolution, the ending may feel contrived and a bit manipulative. Still, the central setup is inherently watchable, and the courtroom/investigation rhythm can be engaging if you’re willing to go along for the ride instead of interrogating every detail.