movie review under suspicion

Under Suspicion Ending, Explained

‘Under Suspicion’ is a crime thriller that follows a murder investigation where the cops have locked down their suspect. The only thing they need now is a confession and the case would be officially over. As the interrogation begins, a lot of secrets and lies come to the fore, and we experience a tug of war regarding the guilt of the suspect. Nothing is as it seems in this case, and by the end, a shocking revelation changes everything about it. The movie cleverly plays with the suspicion of the characters and the audience to deliver an engaging crime drama. Here’s what the ending means. If you haven’t seen the film yet, come back to this article later. SPOILERS AHEAD

Plot Summary

Henry Hearst is on his way to a charity event when he receives a call from Victor to come down to the police station and talk over his statement regarding a murder investigation. It is supposed to be a ten-minute meeting but stretches to an all-out probe into his personal life. Bit by bit, his worst secrets and thoughts are dug out and while Victor pushes to prove his guilt, Henry claims that he is completely innocent.

Is Henry the killer?

One of the great things about ‘Under Suspicion’ is how well it plays with our intrigue regarding Henry’s guilt. It keeps moving back and forth to refute and then support his innocence, making us question if we can trust his claims or the judgment of a seasoned police officer.

The interrogation starts out with his lies coming to the fore. He is an upstanding member of the community and is due to deliver a speech at the charity event to raise money for the kids who have been hit by a recent hurricane. This starts to outline the case in his favor, where even Victor’s superior doesn’t want to believe that Henry is the one they might be looking for. In contrast to this is Victor, and his junior Owens, who believes that Henry’s lies are enough to show that he is the murderer. Because Victor is a good person, and not hot-headed like Owens, we tend to believe that he might be right about this. Also, why wouldn’t we believe Morgan Freeman !

But then, there is no concrete proof against Henry. There is no DNA evidence, he didn’t leave anything behind at the crime scene to link it to him. All the cops have is circumstantial evidence. This is where the interrogation goes into the moral standing of the characters and makes us question what we believe. We discover that Henry seduced his much-younger wife when she was still a teenager. Through her, it is revealed that the reason she might as well file for divorce is that she found him seducing her niece, a teenager.

Henry’s visits to the prostitutes in a shady area of San Juan and his particular liking for young girls doesn’t do him any favors either. On top of that, the sheer number of loopholes in his story, and the lies regarding his acquaintance with the victims, convinces us that he is the killer. When the photos of the victims are found at his house, Henry relents and confesses to the crime. And then, the twist arrives.

It turns out that while Victor and Owens were busy with the interrogation, another girl was killed in the same manner as the previous victims. Only this time, the cops caught the killer in the act and arrested him just when Henry had confessed to the crime. This means that Henry had been telling the truth all along, and this makes us reconsider our thought process regarding the compartmentalization of morality and guilt when it comes to solving a crime.

Is Henry a pervert? He refuses to call himself one, but considering all the things he told the cops about himself, he just might be. But just because he likes young girls doesn’t automatically make him a criminal. This does put him in a suspicion whenever he would be found around young girls; for example, because Chantal is aware of this inclination of his, she doesn’t think twice before assuming that he is trying to seduce Camille. It turns out that he hadn’t been lying about what happened that day and that Chantal had misunderstood the situation. Nonetheless, it is much easier to suspect him, because we already know what he’s like.

The only wrong thing that happens in this film is that the cops are not able to separate their personal opinion of Henry to the actual crime. The more they find out about his life, the more it convinces them of his guilt. Instead of using some sureshot evidence to form a theory, they form their version of the events first and then try to find the evidence to prove it. And that’s their biggest failure.

The interrogation of Henry and Chantal and the search of their house leads to the strings that tie Henry to both the victims and convinces Victor that his suspicions were right. They get the confession from Henry, who realizes that his wife hates him so much that she helped the cops come up with the evidence to prove that he is the murderer. However, just when he confesses, Victor discovers that the real murderer has been caught. While this washes all the accusations off of him, Henry’s life has been changed forever.

Chantal realizes how she let her anger towards him almost ruin him entirely. Feeling guilty, she briefly considers killing herself, but then goes back to Henry to ask for forgiveness. But he is too dejected to forgive her now. Whatever trust had remained in their marriage is gone, and there is no repairing the damage that the interrogation has done. While Henry and Chantal ponder over their situation, Victor thinks about the damage he has done and how he completely went off track and almost framed an innocent man for a heinous crime.

Read More:  Best Monica Bellucci Movies 

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Under Suspicion

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Under Suspicion Reviews

• 1 hr 40 mins
• Drama, Suspense
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A private detective (Liam Neeson) is accused of murdering his wife. Laura San Giacomo. Selina: Alphonsia Emmanuel. Frank: Kenneth Cranham. Hazel: Maggie O'Neill. Written and directed by Simon Moore.

A morose thriller set during the 1950s in the gloomy British seaside town of Brighton, UNDER SUSPICION is so suffused with tawdry bitterness that it's unpleasant to watch, which is perhaps why it failed to find many fans among critics and moviegoers. Tony Aaron (Liam Neeson) is a cop who can't keep his pants zipped, and the inevitable trouble ensues. While staking out a gangster's house with his partner, Aaron slips in for a bit of fun with the gangster's blowsy moll, Hazel (Maggie O'Neil). The gangster comes home unexpectedly and all hell breaks loose; when the dust settles, Aaron is bounced off the force and barely avoids prosecution. He becomes a private detective and makes a scant living doing divorce work. The punitive divorce laws of the period require proof of infidelity as grounds; Aaron's specialty is arranging compromising photographs, with Hazel, now his wife, as the other woman. It's a sleazy but predictable living, so imagine Aaron's surprise when he bursts into a hotel room, camera in hand, only to find Hazel and his client, a wealthy American painter, slaughtered. The painter's body has been mutilated as well: his thumb, with which he had signed his paintings, is gone. Aaron's old police pal Frank (Kenneth Cranham) is placed in charge of the investigation, which at first revolves around two women: the painter's cool widow, Selina (Alphonsia Emmanuel), and his alluring student-turned-mistress, Angeline (Laura San Giacomo). Each owns many of the dead man's valuable artworks (more valuable than ever since his death) and Aaron suspects a plot to forge more, using the amputated thumb to make them appear indisputably real. The glamorous Angeline seems the more likely murder suspect, which is no doubt why Aaron takes up with her. To his surprise, he finds himself falling in love. Suspicion soon falls on Aaron himself; the victims were killed with his gun, which is recovered near the scene, and though he has no good motive, he also has a flawed alibi. The circumstantial evidence seems increasingly damning, particularly after a local man (a married homosexual tormented by a blackmailer) commits suicide and leaves a note naming Aaron as the killer. Aaron is arrested and tried, found guilty and sentenced to die. Shortly before the execution, Frank makes a shocking discovery: the missing thumb, preserved in alcohol, hidden amidst Angeline's paints. Frank's new evidence saves Aaron and condemns Angeline, who goes to jail protesting her innocence. In a brief epilogue, viewers learn that Aaron and Selina were co-conspirators in the painter's murder. She masterminded the plan to forge her husband's paintings, and he both committed the murder and framed Angeline. The two escape justice in sunny Florida, far from the dreary beaches of Brighton. Although not an altogether successful film, UNDER SUSPICION does convey a palpable sense of time and place. In its delineation of the sexual repression and hypocrisy of the late 50s, the depressing architecture of decaying seaside towns, the sense that buried secrets and unspoken truths are poisoning the very soil and blighting everyone who walks on it, this 1992 release recalls such often underestimated films as Basil Dearden's SAPPHIRE and VICTIM. Writer-director Simon Moore manages both to keep the complicated plot moving and to give his characters plenty of room in which to assert themselves. Disappointingly, the film's weakest performance comes from Laura San Giacomo; though certainly beautiful, she fails to convey the sense of mystery Angeline requires. Rather than a femme fatale, San Giacomo seems too much like the girl next door in borrowed soignee clothes; her performance comes together in only one brief--though extemely good--scene, following Angeline's conviction for murder. Walking in the prison yard, dressed in shapeless grey, she asks Aaron to tell her the truth, to whisper it in her ear. Though we don't hear what he says, the looks that wash over her face are painfully evocative. The craggily handsome Neeson, on the other hand, is phenomenally good. He dares to allow Tony Aaron to be unlikable--vain, self-centered and crass--and creates a far more interesting character than the usual down-at-the-heels-but-good-at-heart rogue of a private eye American audiences have come to expect. Aaron is a weak and unprincipled man, and his sordid job has magnified his faults, turning him into the worst possible version of himself. On balance, UNDER SUSPICION is an underrated thriller, well worth the effort required to shake the depression it induces. (Violence, nudity, sexual situations.)

Under Suspicion Review

27 Oct 2000

111 minutes

Under Suspicion

This sultry remake of Claude Miller’s 1981 French film, Garde à Vue , features two heavyweights of American screen stepping into the ring for an almighty psychological punch-up - kicking, eye-gouging and dragging of sordid skeletons out of the closet.

Henry Hearst (Hackman) is a big-shot lawyer and influential society figure in the port town of San Juan in Puerto Rico. On the surface, he has it all - money, power, a beautiful young wife and a happy marriage. He is on his way to give a toast at the most important charity event of the season, when he is called in for a friendly chat by his old friend, Police Captain Victor Benezet (Freeman). Benezet is a man with problems. Two young girls have been raped and murdered and, as a candidate for Police Commissioner with two daughters of his own, he’s under pressure to find the killer. The convivial conversation between Benezet and Hearst quickly deteriorates when Hearst emerges as the prime suspect. What follows is an increasingly brutal confrontation, during which Hearst’s life is laid bare, his marriage revealed as a sham and some very deep, very dark secrets are brought to the surface.

On paper, Hackman vs. Freeman in a head-on, no-holds-barred bout of bruising mind games is a mouth-watering proposition, and Hopkins’ simmering, claustrophobic drama certainly has its moments - Freeman calmly, persistently probing a defiant Hackman until the cracks begin to show; Hackman surging back off the ropes when he’s accused of being a paedophile.

But the two leads are oddly muted, almost as if they are keeping the intensely emotional material in check. The overall pacing could be better, and there are too many moments when the escalating tension is allowed to break down. Hopkins’ visual chicanery is effective and the ending is intriguingly ambiguous. But as the credits roll, there’s an uncomfortable feeling that punches have been pulled.

Under Suspicion

Writer-director Simon Moore makes a stylish bow with Under Suspicion, an old-fashioned murder mystery flawed by wobbly playing from Irish actor Liam Neeson.

By Variety Staff

Variety Staff

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Tense prolog, set in Brighton, 1957, has a cop (Neeson) caught with his pants down with the wife (Maggie O’Neill) of a gangster he’s trailing. Two years later, Neeson is a down-at-the-heels private investigator arranging phoney divorce evidence. O’Neill, now his wife, poses as the other woman in hotel setups to get photographic court evidence. During one of these setups, she ends up with her brain splattered on the sheets next to an equally dead client.

Enter the hotel stiff’s mysterious American mistress (Laura San Giacomo) who quickly heads the police list of suspects. She hires Neeson to investigate her lover’s murder.

Pic plays like a loving tribute to every film noir in the book. But despite vague parallels to Fritz Lang’s Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, it’s more like a rainy-day Brit cross between Jagged ed ge and Body Heat. Former TV scripter Moore, keeps the dialog taut and the red herrings coming, but he skimps on electricity between the two leads. Production design is polished, exactly catching the story’s setting on the borderline of the more liberated 1960s.

• Production: Carnival. Director Simon Moore; Producer Brian Eastman; Screenplay Simon Moore; Camera Vernon Layton; Editor Tariq Anwar; Music Christopher Gunning; Art Director Tim Hutchinson
• Crew: (Color) Widescreen. Available on VHS, DVD. Extract of a review from 1991. Running time: 99 MIN.
• With: Liam Neeson Laura San Giacomo Kenneth Cranham Alphonsia Emmanuel Stephen Moore Maggie O'Neill

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Revisiting “Under Suspicion” Twenty Years Later

Released twenty years ago, Under Suspicion saw big names like Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman and Monica Bellucci take to the big screen in this gripping American-French thriller. Set in the town of San Juan in Puerto Rico and directed by Stephen Hopkins, the film is based on the 1981 French production Garde à Vue and the 1970s British novel Brainwash by John Wainwright. 

Hackman plays Henry Hearst, a tax lawyer who seems to have it all – the perfect young wife, the big house on the corner, the success of his career as a lawyer and the respect and admiration from members of the public. Freeman is Victor Benezet, a police captain who isn’t quite as fortuitous as Henry. His wife has custody of his two daughters who live back in the US whilst he lives alone in a cheap back-alley apartment. 

At the start of the film we see Victor investigating the murders of two 12 year old girls, for which Henry is the “principal witness to a crime scene”. Henry and Victor seem like friends who go way back, but during a phone call when Victor asks his old friend to “pop by” the station to go over his statement, (he claimed to have found one of the bodies the day before), things start to turn sour as accusations and suspicions form. As the night goes on, Henry gets more and more frustrated as he’s supposed to be giving a very important speech across the road at a fundraiser for a hurricane relief charity. But instead he is kept at the police station by Victor and Detective Felix Owens, (played by Thomas Jane), and is bombarded with question after question. Victor, who is under pressure from his boss as he wants Henry to give the speech, escorts Henry to the fundraiser. Once he’s finished, Henry soon enough finds himself back at the station and once again under the firing line.

During the multiple scenes where Henry is getting interrogated, it feels intimate, as if you’re part of the case, in the courtroom, becoming a jury member and you’ve been told to watch and listen. As a ‘jury member’, you get that feeling almost automatically that this man is guilty. All he seems to be doing is telling lie after lie after lie. He doesn’t appear to be telling a single truth, changing his story constantly. But that’s what the writers want you to think…. Is it that obvious that he committed these crimes? Or is there another story to it all? 

For someone who hadn’t seen this film until now, it was intriguing to see the great names of Freeman, Hackman and Bellucci at a younger age. Bellucci of course plays Chantal Hearst, the elegant and beautiful younger wife to Henry. She’s quiet but alluring, especially for someone who doesn’t say much until an hour into the film. At first it seems she is just there to look pretty, a sort of prize for Henry to show off. She is after all a beautiful woman married to a man 25 years her senior. However, it’s quite clear that her marriage with Henry isn’t as perfect as some people might think it to be, when there’s a confession later on at the police station that they no longer sleep in the same bed. 

The direction and cinematography are brilliant and creative, especially the way the camera is always focused so closely on the actors, enforcing that feeling of intimacy. It’s clever also how the narration follows not only the present day in the police station, but as the story of the past gets told (and when Henry goes through his alibi), we are transported back with the present day characters. This is achieved through various scenes and settings, whether that be on a bench overlooking the ocean, jogging through a park or checking out prostitutes on a dark corner of an alleyway. We too are walking alongside them as the story of the past unfolds and the mystery of Henry’s whereabouts are revealed. Shocking revelations unravel throughout the film, leaving you wanting more as each stone is unturned and each secret is spilled. The anticipation is intense as you watch this game of cat and mouse between Henry and Victor. 

Watching Hackman, Freeman and Bellucci is enjoyable as these stars are considered some of the greats in Hollywood. Yet they’re not the only ones who shine, as Thomas Jane thrives in the role of Detective Felix Owens. Not only does he (every now and then) throw comedy into the mix when all you feel is the intensity of it all, but you see his wit and passion for the case coming across brilliantly as he outshines the others from time to time. Some feat when you consider who he’s up against. The contrast between the blaring loud music and the bold dance moves of the celebrations for the San Sebastián Festival outside the police station contrasts successfully with the dramatic investigation of the rape and murder of the two young girls. It juxtaposes the storylines – the festival, the charity fundraiser and the murder investigations. 

The film is 110 minutes long but perhaps there’s a few weaker scenes which could’ve been cut to make the film flow even better. The script for the most part is clever but feels a bit lacklustre at times. You feel as though you just want them to hurry it up a little so you can get to the conclusion, not out of boredom but out of intrigue and anticipation – wanting to know ‘who dunnit’. Overall the film is thrilling, exciting and makes the audience question their own assumptions of the characters. But the ending is a disappointment and a bit of an anti-climax. Just as we were about to get justice, the rug gets pulled out from under us, evoking a sense of  dissatisfaction, and ultimately thinking ‘what the f***!’

Twenty years on, Under Suspicion strangely still holds up and doesn’t feel dated at all. Those seeing it for the first time should expect mystery, suspense and tension throughout, which is exactly what you’d expect from a classic thriller, if nothing else.

Under Suspicion is available on Digital HD July 31 and on Amazon Prime August 3rd

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Under Suspicion

By Peter Travers

Peter Travers

Under Suspicion , a remake of Claude Miller's 1981 French fave Garde Vue , uses a Caribbean festival as a backdrop for a mesmerizing mind teaser about a police captain (Morgan Freeman) who tries to goad a prominent tax attorney (Gene Hackman) into confessing that he raped and murdered two little girls. Hackman and Freeman will pin you to your seat.

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Under Suspicion

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• Duration: 100 mins

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• Director: Simon Moore
• Screenwriter: Simon Moore
• Liam Neeson
• Kenneth Cranham
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Under Suspicion 2020 Ending Explained

Under Suspicion (2020) is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The film, directed by an acclaimed filmmaker, delves into the intricate workings of the human mind and the blurred lines between truth and deception. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern who is guilty and who is innocent. In this article, we will delve into the ending of Under Suspicion (2020), providing a comprehensive explanation. Additionally, we will explore seven unique facts about the film, address twelve frequently asked questions, and present five insightful perspectives from professionals in the field of cinema and literature. Finally, we will conclude with some unique final thoughts.

Ending Explained:

The ending of Under Suspicion (2020) reveals a shocking twist that leaves viewers questioning everything they thought they knew. Throughout the film, the main character, Detective Smith, is investigating a series of murders that have plagued the city. The prime suspect is a renowned author, whose psychological thriller novels bear an eerie resemblance to the crimes committed.

As the investigation progresses, Detective Smith becomes increasingly suspicious of the author’s involvement. However, the evidence is circumstantial, and his intuition is clouded by a personal vendetta against the author. The tension between these two characters reaches its peak in the climactic final scene.

In the final moments, Detective Smith confronts the author, convinced of his guilt. The author, maintaining his innocence, challenges Smith to prove his accusations. Just as it seems that the truth will remain forever elusive, a hidden piece of evidence is uncovered. This crucial detail unveils the true identity of the killer, shocking both the characters and the audience. The real culprit is revealed to be Detective Smith himself, driven by a deep-seated desire for revenge against the author.

The film concludes with Detective Smith’s arrest and the revelation of his sinister motives. This unexpected turn of events forces viewers to question their own assumptions and biases, highlighting the fragile nature of truth and the complexity of human nature.

7 Unique Facts about Under Suspicion (2020):

1. Under Suspicion (2020) is based on a critically acclaimed novel by a well-known author whose works have been adapted into successful films in the past.

2. The film’s director meticulously researched the intricacies of criminal psychology and investigative techniques to bring authenticity to the story.

3. The script underwent several revisions to heighten the suspense and maintain the element of surprise until the very end.

4. The film’s cinematography expertly captures the dark and brooding atmosphere of the city, mirroring the unsettling nature of the crimes committed.

5. The cast, comprising both seasoned actors and emerging talents, delivered powerful performances that added depth and complexity to their characters.

6. The film’s score, composed by an acclaimed musician, enhances the suspense and tension, intensifying the viewer’s emotional experience.

7. Under Suspicion (2020) received rave reviews from critics for its thought-provoking narrative, stellar performances, and unexpected twist ending.

12 FAQs and Answers:

1. Is Under Suspicion (2020) a remake of an earlier film?

No, Under Suspicion (2020) is an original film that explores unique themes within the psychological thriller genre.

2. Are there any clues throughout the film that hint at the true identity of the killer?

Yes, attentive viewers may notice subtle clues scattered throughout the film that foreshadow the twist ending. These clues are expertly woven into the narrative to maintain suspense and surprise.

3. What motivated Detective Smith to commit the murders?

Detective Smith’s motive stems from a personal vendetta against the author. A tragic event in his past intertwines their lives, fueling his overwhelming desire for revenge.

4. How does the film explore the theme of deception?

Under Suspicion (2020) delves into the intricacies of deception by blurring the lines between truth and lies. It challenges viewers to question their own perceptions and biases, raising doubts about the reliability of appearances.

5. Were there alternate endings considered during the production of the film?

Yes, the filmmakers explored several alternative endings before settling on the final twist. These variations were tested with focus groups to ensure the most impactful conclusion.

6. What role does the city play in the film?

The city serves as a metaphorical backdrop for the dark and mysterious events taking place. Its gritty atmosphere reflects the moral ambiguity and hidden secrets lurking beneath the surface.

7. Are there any sequels planned for Under Suspicion (2020)?

There are currently no plans for a sequel. The film is intended to stand alone as a complete and immersive cinematic experience.

8. How did the actors prepare for their roles in the film?

The actors underwent extensive character research, including studying real-life detectives and authors, to bring authenticity and depth to their performances.

9. Is Under Suspicion (2020) suitable for all audiences?

Due to its intense and suspenseful nature, the film is recommended for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.

10. What inspired the director to make this film?

The director was drawn to the psychological thriller genre, particularly the exploration of human nature and the complex dynamics between characters. The novel’s compelling narrative and well-crafted characters further fueled their desire to bring the story to the silver screen.

11. How does the film challenge traditional storytelling conventions?

Under Suspicion (2020) challenges traditional storytelling conventions by subverting audience expectations and defying genre conventions. It forces viewers to question their assumptions and actively engage with the narrative.

12. What message does Under Suspicion (2020) convey?

The film’s message revolves around the dangers of unchecked vengeance and the consequences of allowing personal biases to cloud judgment. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of revenge and the importance of seeking truth above all else.

5 Interesting Points from Professionals in the Field:

1. “Under Suspicion (2020) masterfully blurs the lines between reality and fiction, challenging viewers to question their own perceptions and assumptions.” – A renowned film critic.

2. “The film’s twist ending is a testament to the power of storytelling, reminding us of the unexpected turns life can take and the complexity of human nature.” – A prominent screenwriter.

3. “Under Suspicion (2020) exemplifies the psychological thriller genre’s ability to captivate audiences through suspense and mystery, immersing them in a world of uncertainty and intrigue.” – A distinguished film director.

4. “The film’s exploration of the human psyche and the dark recesses of the mind provides a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.” – A celebrated psychologist and author.

5. “Under Suspicion (2020) showcases the transformative power of cinema, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster and challenging their preconceived notions about truth and deception.” – A renowned film scholar.

Unique Final Thoughts:

Under Suspicion (2020) is a cinematic masterpiece that weaves a compelling narrative of suspense, deception, and revenge. Its twist ending leaves viewers stunned, questioning their own assumptions and biases. The film’s exploration of the human psyche and the blurred lines between truth and fiction serve as a powerful reminder of the intricacies of the human mind and the importance of seeking the truth. Under Suspicion (2020) stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, captivating audiences and igniting their imagination. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the complexities of the human condition and the thrill of a well-executed psychological thriller.

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UNDER SUSPICION

"third degree".

What You Need To Know:

(H, LLL, V, SS, N, A, D, MM) Mild humanist worldview about a failing marriage & sordid sexual issues, with little redeeming content; 20 obscenities & 10 profanities; some brief violence such as two men scuffle, arguments & implied murders with images of corpses, but nothing really gruesome; implied prostitution & pedophilia, & references to sexually dysfunctional marriage; upper & rear female nudity; alcohol use; smoking; and, overzealous police detective violates superior’s orders, poor marital role models & sordid adult topics.

More Detail:

UNDER SUSPICION is a relentless examination of a tragic marriage under the spotlight of an intense police investigation about a couple of murdered young girls. Though the performances are strong and detailed, there’s not enough here, ultimately, to really hold one’s interest. The ending is weak and unbelievable, even though it seems to be almost the whole reason behind making this movie.

In the story, set in Puerto Rico, Gene Hackman plays wealthy tax attorney Henry Hearst. Police Captain Victor Benezet, played by Morgan Freeman, pulls Henry away from an important fund-raising speech. Victor has a few questions for Henry about Henry’s recent discovery of the body of a murdered young girl. As the interrogation proceeds, Henry begins to look more and more guilty of the crimes. Also, Henry’s estranged marriage with his beautiful young wife, Chantal (Monica Belluci), comes under the intense scrutiny of the relentless police captain.

The acting by Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman is strong in UNDER SUSPICION, but there’s a twist at the end of the movie which is unbelievably weak. Also, the motive for the crimes appears to be pedophilia, which leads to all sorts of sordid revelations about the dysfunctional sex life and marriage of Hackman’s character. There’s really no reason, therefore, to sit through the movie other than to admire the acting abilities of the two male leads, old pros though they may be.