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Suicide by Cop

  • 2024
IMDb RATING
9.2/10
50
YOUR RATING
Vernon Wells in Suicide by Cop (2024)
Thriller

Jim Smith (Vernon Wells) was the pride of the precinct, a heroic cop who'd saved lives over and over. But when he awakens in purgatory, he's stuck and the only way out is by convincing Sgt. ... Read allJim Smith (Vernon Wells) was the pride of the precinct, a heroic cop who'd saved lives over and over. But when he awakens in purgatory, he's stuck and the only way out is by convincing Sgt. Yeshua that his life deserves to be finished. As they re-watch the evidence of his life, a... Read allJim Smith (Vernon Wells) was the pride of the precinct, a heroic cop who'd saved lives over and over. But when he awakens in purgatory, he's stuck and the only way out is by convincing Sgt. Yeshua that his life deserves to be finished. As they re-watch the evidence of his life, analyzing each choice and each fact put before them his glories, his faith and his flaws ar... Read all

  • Director
    • Eric Rafael Ibarra
  • Writer
    • Pete Bollinger
  • Stars
    • Vernon Wells
    • Mariano 'Big Dawg' Mendoza
    • Joe Finfera
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    9.2/10
    50
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Eric Rafael Ibarra
    • Writer
      • Pete Bollinger
    • Stars
      • Vernon Wells
      • Mariano 'Big Dawg' Mendoza
      • Joe Finfera
    • 16User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos29

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    Top cast29

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    Vernon Wells
    Vernon Wells
    • Jim Smith
    Mariano 'Big Dawg' Mendoza
    Mariano 'Big Dawg' Mendoza
    • Officer Mendoza
    Joe Finfera
    Joe Finfera
    • Scared Officer
    Tom McLaren
    Tom McLaren
    • Bobby
    Brian Eric Johnson
    Brian Eric Johnson
    • Freddy Garcia
    Lou Pizarro
    Lou Pizarro
    • Detective Miguel
    Michael Anthony Perez
    Michael Anthony Perez
    • Officer Perez
    Vince Romo
    • Vince
    Vincent Rivera
    Vincent Rivera
    • Doctor Johnson
    Mark Krenik
    Mark Krenik
    • Angel Mark
    Anna Kabis
    • Young Kassidy
    Donald DeNoyer
    • Lt. Don
    Ronnie Alvarez
    Ronnie Alvarez
    • Sgt. Yeshua
    Eric Reingrover
    Eric Reingrover
    • Saint Peter
    Joe A. Castro Jr.
    Joe A. Castro Jr.
    • Shot Caller Big Joker
    Wilfred Lopez
    • Officer Torres
    Chuck Saale
    • Chuck Sally
    Anna Colona
    Anna Colona
    • Nurse Kassidy
    • Director
      • Eric Rafael Ibarra
    • Writer
      • Pete Bollinger
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews16

    9.250
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    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    9Finad-1

    A Masterclass in Moral Complexity

    This isn't just a movie - it's a moral obstacle course that will leave you emotionally and intellectually drained in the best possible way. Wells disappears into the role of Jim Smith, his face becoming a roadmap of regret and defiance. The film's unconventional structure - bouncing between purgatory and pivotal life moments - creates a fascinating puzzle of cause and effect. Supporting characters from Smith's life appear as both witnesses and manifestations of his conscience. The sparse score and shadowy cinematography create an appropriately otherworldly atmosphere. By the climactic judgment scene, you'll find yourself arguing both for and against Smith's redemption. This is the kind of challenging, adult-oriented filmmaking we see too rarely today.
    10Skyd-37

    A Harrowing Descent Into Desperation

    Suicide by Cop is one of the most emotionally devastating films in recent memory, exploring mental health crises with unflinching honesty. The film follows a man's tragic decision to force police into ending his life, creating a tense character study that's difficult to watch but impossible to forget. What makes this so powerful is its refusal to simplify complex issues - it presents all sides with equal compassion, from the desperate protagonist to the traumatized officers. The lead performance is a revelation, conveying oceans of pain with subtle gestures. This isn't entertainment - it's an important conversation starter about mental health and policing in America.
    10Arslans-01

    Emotional Dynamite With a Slow Burn Fuse

    Suicide by Cop builds its tragedy methodically, making the inevitable conclusion all the more devastating. The film's power comes from its intimate focus on one man's unraveling, showing how isolation and despair can lead to unthinkable decisions. Cinematography immerses us in the protagonist's deteriorating mental state through disorienting angles and a muted color palette. What could have been exploitative instead becomes a profound character study, with a lead performance that deserves awards recognition. The film's greatest achievement is making us understand a decision we'd rather condemn, forcing empathy where we'd prefer judgment. This is challenging, important filmmaking that lingers long after viewing.
    10Danish-192

    A Heartbreaking Portrait of Systemic Failure

    Suicide by Cop exposes how multiple systems - mental healthcare, law enforcement, social services - can fail those in crisis. The film's brilliance lies in its even-handed approach, assigning blame to circumstances rather than individuals. The protagonist's journey is portrayed with heartbreaking authenticity, his pain visible in every frame. Police characters are equally well-drawn, showing the human cost of these encounters for all involved. The direction creates unbearable tension without resorting to manipulation, letting the tragedy unfold with devastating realism. By the final moments, you'll be left with profound questions about how society handles mental health emergencies. This is cinema as social commentary at its most powerful.
    9Chrie-22

    Vernon Wells Like You've Never Seen Him Before

    Forget the action roles - Wells gives the performance of his lifetime in this existential cop drama. The film's purgatory premise allows for brilliant narrative experimentation, as Smith's life flashes before his eyes in non-chronological fragments. What appears at first to be a straightforward hero's story gradually reveals shocking complexity. The chemistry between Wells and his celestial interrogator is electric, their verbal sparring sessions more thrilling than any shootout. The sparse, shadowy production design creates an appropriately liminal atmosphere. By the final judgment scene, you'll be questioning every assumption you made about Smith's character. This is bold, challenging cinema that respects its audience's intelligence.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • July 5, 2024 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • interview
    • Language
      • English
    • Production companies
      • Cedra Films
      • Movie Magic and Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

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