Suspect is definitely a product of the 1980s and, in some ways, that’s part of its charm. The film boasts an impressive cast led by Cher (Moonstruck), Dennis Quaid (The Substance), and a very committed Liam Neeson (The Naked Gun), all of whom bring a level of professionalism that helps ground what is otherwise a fairly straightforward and occasionally underwhelming legal drama. On paper, the ingredients are all there for a compelling courtroom thriller but, in execution, the film never quite rises above feeling like a solid television procedural stretched to feature length.
Cher as Kathleen Riley in SUSPECT. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment.
The central premise is intriguing enough. Cher plays a public defender assigned to represent a homeless, deaf, and mute Vietnam veteran accused of murdering a government employee. It’s a role that allows Cher to showcase her dramatic abilities and she performs admirably, bringing empathy and conviction to a character that could have easily felt one-dimensional. She carries much of the emotional weight of the film and you can feel her character’s frustration with the legal system and her determination to uncover the truth.
However, it’s Liam Neeson who ultimately leaves the strongest impression. Despite having no spoken dialogue, his performance is layered, expressive, and quietly powerful. He conveys vulnerability, trauma, and dignity entirely through physical acting and facial expression. It’s easy to see the early signs of the commanding screen presence he would later become known for. His scenes, especially early in the film, have a raw authenticity that elevates the material beyond what the script alone provides.
Dennis Quaid also delivers a reliable performance as the cynical juror who becomes entangled in Cher’s investigation. Quaid brings charisma and energy to the role, and his chemistry with Cher helps maintain viewer interest, even when the plot itself becomes predictable. Still, his character sometimes feels underdeveloped, and their partnership evolves in ways that feel more convenient than organic.
Joe Mantegna as Charlie Stella in SUSPECT. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment.
The pacing is actually one of the film’s stronger aspects. At nearly two hours, Suspect moves along briskly and never truly drags. The investigation unfolds steadily, with enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged, even if seasoned fans of legal dramas may see some of the reveals coming. In fact, the film often feels like an extended, slightly more cinematic version of an episode of Law & Order, perhaps one that might have featured Ice-T (Tank Girl) interrogating suspects in a dimly lit room. It’s competent and watchable, but rarely surprising.
One of the more puzzling aspects of the film is its uneven atmosphere. At times, Suspect seems unsure whether it wants to be a grounded courtroom drama or a stylized conspiracy thriller. This confusion is reflected in the musical score, which occasionally feels overly dramatic and oddly reminiscent of the eerie tones associated with Clive Barker’s Hellraiser (1987). The darker, more ominous cues don’t always match the grounded legal proceedings on screen, creating tonal inconsistencies that can be distracting.
Despite its shortcomings, the film’s strong cast prevents it from ever becoming outright bad. Everyone involved gives a sincere effort and that professionalism helps carry the film through its weaker moments. Still, it’s hard to shake the feeling that this could have been something more. The story has the bones of a compelling legal thriller, but the script lacks the depth and complexity needed to fully capitalize on its premise. It almost feels like a rejected manuscript from John Grisham (A Time to Kill; The Firm) that never received the necessary revisions to become truly memorable.
That makes the bare-bones Blu-ray release all the more disappointing. With a cast this notable and a film that occupies an interesting place in the careers of its stars, the lack of special features feels like a missed opportunity. There’s no behind-the-scenes insight, no retrospective interviews, and nothing to contextualize the film’s production or legacy.
Dennis Quaid as Eddie Sanger in SUSPECT. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment.
In the end, Suspect is a perfectly serviceable legal drama elevated by strong performances but held back by an unremarkable script and uneven tone. It’s worth watching for fans of the cast, especially to see Liam Neeson’s early work, but it never fully reaches its potential.
Available on Blu-ray and DVD January 20th, 2026.
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Categories: Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews
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