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Sus (2010)

Director: Robert Heath

Time Out rating

Average user rating

6 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

With the election looming, ’80s anti-fascist demonstrations back in the news and controversy over stop-and-search still raging, the release of ‘Sus’ is auspicious. Based on Barrie Keefe’s 1979 stage play, this claustrophobic, intense three-hander was inspired by the late ’70s law that gave police officers the right to detain on suspicion anyone they saw fit, usually young black men. Betraying its theatrical origins, the film takes place in a single police interview room on election night, as thuggish Thatcherite cops Karn (Ralph Brown) and Wilby (Rafe Spall) attempt, by any means, to extract a confession from unemployed labourer Delroy (Clint Dyer) following the unexplained death of his wife. It’s morally one-sided and the dialogue and acting tends towards the mannered and overblown – Spall in particular comes off like a ‘Fast Show’ bad-cop parody at times. But overall this is a well structured, emotionally rigorous piece of filmmaking, and a timely reminder of the dangers of unchecked police power.

Author: Tom Huddleston

Time Out London Issue 2072: 13-19 May, 2010

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User reviews of this film

J. Johnson said...

Posted on Jul 23 2011 21:54 Incredible film with excellent acting. Readily identifies how a majority population can assume their superiority and is relevant for our times as it was in the 80's.

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Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe said...

Posted on May 16 2010 10:55 Sus is a timely and dynamic piece of filmmaking from Rob Heath and is complimented by the acting performances of Clint Dyer, Ralph Brown and Rafe Spall who demand attention from the 1st minute of the film to the very last. Similar to Michael Caine's performance in the film Harry Brown, Sus reeks of authenticity, a realness about the British society and the moral fabric which truly exists whether it be 1979 or 2010. A film for our times indeed.

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Lenboy said...

Posted on May 14 2010 13:07 Saw this film at the preview, an incredible piece of drama. Saw the stage version at the Young Vic, with Clint Dyer. For those of us too young to remember the full impact SUS had on our communities, this is a timely reminder for the politicians courting the idea right now.

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Eastender said...

Posted on May 10 2010 11:58 I also saw the film at East London Film Festival. Fantastic film and extremely timely given the recent elections. Mr Cameron should go see it, among other people. The best independent film in a long time.

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Frank Ross said...

Posted on May 07 2010 14:37 Excellent review, one that I mostly agree with. However I felt that Ralph Brown deserves a special mention and Clint Dyer portrayed a victim in an incredible state of normality, therefore enhancing the dramatic power and intensity of what is an already disturbing experience.

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HoFuN said...

Posted on May 04 2010 16:51 I saw this at the East London Film Festival last week and it is an unbelievably powerful film. Everyone was just blown away by it. It's amazing.

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