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Aaron Eckhart, Ben Kingsley, Carrie-Anne Moss, Harry J. Lennix, Ellen Blake ... see more see more... , Keith Campbell , Frank Collison , Jerry Gardner , Julian Reyes , Kevin Skousen , Boots Southerland , Michael Chapman , Buddy Joe Hooker , William Mapother , Brady Coleman , Kevin Chamberlin , Nicole DeHuff , Lea Franklin , Angelina C. Torres , Chloe Russell , David House , William R. Johnson , Daniel Patrick Moriarty , Curtis Plagge , Donn Owens , Catherine Haun , David Ode , Miguel Zapata , Jane Goold , Benjamin Petry , Jenny Cleveland , Kent Kirkpatrick , Dorsey Ray , Marya Beauvais , Letta E. Gorder , Maj. Ed Dames , Aaron Donahue , Cecilia L. Webb , Hope Bell , William B. Johnson , Frank Colison

Directed by E. Elias Merhige, Suspect Zero follows the disgraced FBI Agent Thomas Mackelway (Aaron Eckhart), who was transferred to a desolate area in Albuquerque, New Mexico as punishment for botchin... read more read more...g a procedure which ultimately led to the release of one of the most notorious criminals on the FBI's list. Mackelway is given an opportunity to redeem himself, however, when he is called in to investigate the strange murder of a traveling salesman. Mysteriously, the mark of a circle with a line through it is the only clue that the killer left behind. Before long, the prime suspect is identified as former agent Benjamin O'Ryan (Ben Kingsley), who is seemingly obsessed with hunting down serial killers and murdering them rather than turning them in to the proper authorities. Though Mackelway believes he knows the area where O'Ryan (Kingsley) is living, he has no idea what he looks like -- a problem that the rogue agent exploits with great success. Despite his brilliance, Mackelway finds himself caught in a psychological labyrinth of sorts, and is faced with an even greater quandary after learning that O'Ryan is looking for none other than Suspect Zero, a murderer of hundreds and the FBI's most wanted man. The supporting cast includes Carrie-Anne Moss and Harry J. Lennix. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Flixster Users

42% liked it

10,937 ratings

Critics

18% liked it

129 critics

R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: E. Elias Merhige

Release Date: August 27, 2004

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DVD Release Date: April 12, 2005

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Stats: 650 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (650)


  • May 15, 2008
    A good serial killer thriller. Ben Kingsley really makes this movie work with his very creepy performance.
  • March 3, 2012
    Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Ben Kingsley, Carrie-Anne Moss, Harry Lennix, Kevin Chamberlin, Julian Reyes, Keith Campbell, Chloe Russell, Ellen Blake, William B. Johnson, Jerry Gardner, Daniel Patrick Moriarty

    Director: E. Elias Merhige

    Summary: A killer is on the loose, and FBI ... read moreagent Thomas Mackelway is on the case, sifting through clues to uncover the criminal's identity. But there's one unusual twist: The bloodthirsty felon's victims of choice are other serial killers.

    My Thoughts: "Although it was a new take on serial killing and one I thought was very interesting, the film just wasn't great. Far from it. There is no thrill in this thriller and it needed it. The casting is great, its the writing and directing that leaves something to be wanted. The idea of the film is unique but unfortunately it wasn't executed as well as it could and should have been. A miss that could have been a hit."
  • December 18, 2010
    While Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley bring great performances, it is not enough to overcome the sappy writing that includes the "I slept with my partner" sub plot that adds nothing to the story more than the cliche former lovers working together drama. Too much fiction in the sci... read moreence fiction part of this story does not help either.
  • June 9, 2009
    Suspected it to be good but got a real ZERO for that. Surely worth a miss!!!
  • August 13, 2008
    Why I like this movie: ts a dark suspense thriller with a coupla "not so brutal" scenes, CIA & FBI is in it, and

    Ben Kingsley was just awesome in this movie! You must simply have this on your movie collection!
  • April 4, 2008
    A very enjoyable watch with a great performance from Ben Kingsley. A well thought out plot, definitely a recommendation.
  • July 25, 2007
    Sounded good, the idea of psychic profilers tracking serial killers but the execution of the film is pretty bad. Could have been great.
  • September 21, 2006
    A more dull then razor sharp thriller. not in top form or diection. it fails to develop its characters and story in general so its only half a movie. Ben Kingslely on the other hand delivers a riveting performance.
  • April 15, 2011
    Movies like this absolutely kill me! The story they have to work with is top notch, the cast is terrific, and the movie sucked. The movie is all about tracking down this infamous serial killer with a horrible and gruesome reputation. They don't show what led to this reputation, a... read moreny of his crimes, or what got them to that point. It's like jumping into a crappy direct to video sequel, after missing the blockbuster film that led to it. Nothing significant ever happens in this movie! Which then begs the question, what's the point in even making it?
  • March 7, 2012
    It was kind of boring. This is the type of movie that I don't understand why it was even made - there is no redeeming value.

Critic Reviews


J. Hoberman
August 31, 2004
J. Hoberman, Village Voice

Slips on the banana peel of exaggerated fear factor, falling facedown with the introduction of an über-creep serial killer (Ben Kingsley) grimly stalking some hapless prey. Full Review

Richard Roeper
August 30, 2004
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

[A] visually jarring, psychologically daring trip that explores terror in a fresh, if crazy, manner. Full Review

Stephanie Zacharek
August 28, 2004
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Its junkiness shines through its posh patina. Exploitation is just no fun anymore, now that it's all so damn tasteful. Full Review

Ann Hornaday
August 27, 2004
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

A grisly, depraved and wholly uninvolving exercise in empty mannerism. Full Review

Peter Howell
August 27, 2004
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Suspect Zero is that rare case of a dull idea redeemed by sharp talent. Full Review

Carla Meyer
August 27, 2004
Carla Meyer, San Francisco Chronicle

Merely adequate. Full Review

Joe Baltake
August 27, 2004
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

The kind of by-the- numbers psychological/ action thriller that Paramount Pictures routinely makes with Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman. Full Review

Roger Moore
August 27, 2004
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

Suspect Zero is intriguing enough to be worth deciphering. It just delivers zero scares. Full Review

Lisa Rose
August 27, 2004
Lisa Rose, Newark Star-Ledger

The movie is a black hole of failed ambition that mystifies on every level and offers zero payoff. Full Review

Lou Lumenick
August 27, 2004
Lou Lumenick, New York Post

The latest evidence that Hollywood has run the se rial-killer thriller into the ground through overuse.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Suspect Zero Trivia


  • In this movie a Remote Viewer believe's there is one person who can avoide detection. And he is and killing young boys at random locations all over the US.  Answer »
  • Name the movie in which Ben Kingsley portrays a cop looking for a serial killer?  Answer »
  • WHO PLAYED THE SERIAL KILLER IN THE MOVIE SUSPECT ZERO?  Answer »

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