Above Suspicion (2019)

Set in 1989, an ambitious FBI agent (Jack Huston) is assigned to a small town in Kentucky. He coerces a drug addict and welfare mother (Emilia Clarke) into acting as an FBI informant. But they cross a line when they begin to have an affair that will have disastrous results. Based on the non fiction book by Joe Sharkey and directed by Philip Noyce (PATRIOT GAMES). This true life crime thriller with noir-ish trimmings was released overseas in 2019 but not in the U.S. until 2021. Normally that would indicate a stinker but not in this case. It's a riveting and intense thriller. Based on the murder of Susan Smith (played by Clarke), the film is narrated by her even though she lets us know she's dead (shades of William Holden's after death narration in SUNSET BOULEVARD). It's a fascinating watch even though all the characters are sleazebags. Even the FBI agent's wife (Sophie Lowe), who at first seem the only sympathetic character in the story ultimately turns outs to be morally corrupt. The film ends with video footage of the real FBI agent, grinning as he tells his story with both his wife and his lover in their graves and he having served only 10 years in prison and released at age 41. Worth checking out if you're a true crime buff or noir enthusiast. With Johnny Knoxville, Thora Birch and Kevin Dunn.