The story of Above Suspicion
Above Suspicion tells the story of a newly married FBI agent whose promising career takes a devastating turn when he becomes romantically involved with his key informant in a high-profile criminal case. What begins as a professional relationship spirals into an illicit affair that threatens everything—his marriage, his badge, his reputation. The film unfolds across 104 minutes, tracing how one moral compromise can unravel an entire life, set against the backdrop of a murder investigation in small-town Kentucky. It's the kind of scandal that makes headlines and ruins lives.
Behind the making of Above Suspicion
Director Phillip Noyce, known for his work on thrillers like Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger, helmed this 2019 adaptation based on Joe Sharkey's non-fiction book of the same name, which examined the real murder of Susan Smith. Chris Gerolmo wrote the screenplay, crafting a narrative that blends procedural crime drama with personal moral collapse. The cast brings considerable talent to the ensemble: Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones, Terminator Genisys) headlines as the informant, alongside Jack Huston, Thora Birch, Sophie Lowe, Austin Hébert, Karl Glusman, and Johnny Knoxville in a supporting role that signals the film's attempt to balance serious crime storytelling with accessible casting. The film arrived in 2019 as a direct-to-streaming release on certain platforms, positioning it as a prestige thriller for home viewing rather than theatrical distribution. While it didn't dominate awards season, the film found its audience among true-crime enthusiasts and viewers drawn to character-driven narratives about corruption and betrayal.
What makes Above Suspicion stand out
What's striking about Above Suspicion—and what keeps it from being entirely forgettable—is Emilia Clarke's willingness to inhabit a deeply flawed character without apology. Her performance as the informant, a woman from the wrong side of the tracks, carries a rawness that the rest of the film struggles to match. She doesn't play the role as a victim or a seductress; instead, Clarke finds the messy humanity in someone caught between survival and self-destruction. The supporting cast is serviceable, though none quite reach her level of commitment, and that imbalance creates an odd tonal friction throughout.
The film itself—directed with competence but without particular flair—hinges on the central moral question: how does a man with everything to lose throw it away for a moment of connection with someone who has nothing? It's a question that deserves deeper exploration, and while Noyce stages the investigation sequences with procedural clarity, the emotional stakes sometimes feel undercooked. Audiences have noted that the film works best when it's focused on Clarke's character and her relationship with the agent (Jack Huston), and falters whenever it tries to juggle multiple plot threads or rely on supporting players who don't have the same screen presence. There's a disconnect between the serious subject matter—a real murder, real careers destroyed—and the somewhat melodramatic execution that keeps the film from achieving the weight it's reaching for.
Where to stream Above Suspicion online
Above Suspicion is currently available on Prime Video, making it accessible to anyone with an Amazon subscription. If you're searching for where to watch it, the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page will show you all current streaming options and any platform changes. Prime Video's library includes a wide range of crime thrillers and dramas, and Movie OTT tracks availability across all major streaming services so you don't have to hunt across multiple apps. The film's streaming-first release means it was designed with home viewing in mind—a 104-minute commitment that works well as an evening watch.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Above Suspicion based on a true story?
Yes. The film is adapted from Joe Sharkey's non-fiction book of the same name, which examines the real murder of Susan Smith and the FBI corruption scandal surrounding the investigation. The core events and characters are rooted in actual history, though the screenplay takes some dramatic liberties.
Q: Who directed Above Suspicion?
Phillip Noyce directed the film. He's an experienced thriller director with credits including Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and Salt. His work here is competent and professional, though the film doesn't showcase the stylistic flourishes he brought to some of his earlier work.
Q: What's the runtime of Above Suspicion?
The film runs 104 minutes, making it a fairly standard length for a crime drama. It's compact enough for a single sitting without feeling rushed.
Q: Where can I watch Above Suspicion?
Above Suspicion streams on Prime Video. Check the "Where to Watch" widget on this page for current availability, as streaming rights can change over time.
Q: Why did Emilia Clarke's performance stand out?
Clarke brings genuine vulnerability and complexity to her role as the informant, playing the character with a specificity that elevates the material. She doesn't shy away from the character's contradictions—desperation, cunning, loneliness, and agency all coexist in her portrayal.
Final thoughts on Above Suspicion
Above Suspicion isn't a hidden gem, but it's not a complete misfire either. It's a middle-of-the-road thriller that works best if you're drawn to true-crime narratives or curious about Emilia Clarke's range beyond her most famous roles. The film's central tragedy—how ambition and desire can corrupt even the most dedicated professionals—deserves more nuance than it gets, but Clarke's performance gives you something real to hold onto. If you're browsing Prime Video on a weekend and want a crime drama that won't demand your full attention but won't insult your intelligence either, this one fits the bill. Just don't expect it to linger long after the credits roll.
