Suspect Zero MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

In this criminal thriller, agent Thomas Mackelway (Aaron Eckhart) receives a reassignment to the New Mexico branch of the FBI after botching an investigation. Mackelway and his partner, Fran (Carrie-Anne Moss), find themselves in the middle of a series of bizarre murder investigations. The suspect, Benjamin ORyan (Ben Kingsley), seems to be baiting Mackelway, leaving mysterious marks and disturbing clues at the crime scenes. But even more bizarre, ORyans victims all turn out to be serial killers who have eluded the FBI. According to ORyans acquaintances, his behavior may be part of his search for a mythical killer, Suspect Zero, who is behind many unsolved murders and missing persons cases across the country. Now Mackelway must discover how ORyan has caught such elusive killers. He must also determine whether Suspect Zero is a real person or simply a figment of ORyans depraved and dangerous imagination.

Suspect Zero is a film that explores criminal and psychological themes. Among the most interesting and unsettling is the possibility that a serial killer exists who leaves behind no patterns or clues but simply missing persons and unsolved murders. Students of criminal psychology might find this interesting, but general audiences will probably focus on the more disturbing images of dead bodies and discussions of murder and serial killers. The themes alone earn a caution to the films viewers, especially as characters discuss the traumatic experience of getting inside a murderers mind. But Suspect Zero also includes the use of special mental techniques to gain knowledge of geographically distant events and of the future. This would probably fall into the category of the occult, even though demonic powers are not directly mentioned or invoked. Finally, the film includes objectionable language, violence, sexuality and nudity, which seal its negative acceptability rating.

Preview Reviewer: Shaun Daugherty
Distributor: Paramount Pictures