Watch Sus

Sus is a 2010 film that explores the events leading up to and following the murder of a young black man by police officers in London in the early 1980s. The film's title refers to the acronym for Special Undercover Squad, a department within London's Metropolitan Police Service that was responsible for surveilling political groups that were deemed to be a threat to national security.

The story focuses on the experiences of a young black man named Delroy, played by Clint Dyer, who becomes entangled in the world of political activism after witnessing a friend being brutally beaten by police officers. Delroy, who works as a carpenter, is initially hesitant to get involved in the political scene, but as he becomes increasingly aware of the systemic racism and injustice faced by members of his community, he begins to feel a sense of responsibility to speak out.

Meanwhile, the film also follows the experiences of two police officers, Karn and Wilby, played by Rafe Spall and Ralph Brown respectively, who are tasked with keeping an eye on Delroy and his group of friends. Both Karn and Wilby are presented as complex characters - they are not simply "good" or "bad", but instead are human beings with their own flaws, fears, and motivations.

As the film progresses, tensions between Delroy and the police officers escalate, culminating in a fateful confrontation that has tragic consequences. The film explores themes of police brutality, racism, and political repression, asking difficult questions about power, responsibility, and the role of the state in protecting its citizens.

One of Sus's strengths is its ability to create a sense of tension and unease that pervades the entire film. The grainy, handheld camera work and muted colour palette contribute to a feeling of rawness and grittiness, while the clever use of sound design - including a recurring police siren that seems to be always lurking just out of earshot - adds to the film's pervasive sense of foreboding.

The three central performances - from Clint Dyer, Rafe Spall, and Ralph Brown - are all excellent. Dyer brings a quiet intensity to the role of Delroy, conveying a sense of righteous anger and determination even as he is confronted with overwhelming forces. Spall and Brown both do an excellent job of humanising their characters, even when they are engaging in morally dubious behaviour.

One potential criticism of the film is that it can feel a little heavy-handed at times. The script occasionally veers into melodrama, and some of the scenes that are clearly meant to be emotionally impactful - such as the moment when Delroy's mother breaks down in tears after and the aftermath of the murder - can at times feel a little contrived.

Overall, however, Sus is a powerful and thought-provoking film that shines a light on a dark chapter in British history. Its unflinching portrayal of police brutality and political repression is gut-wrenching and deeply affecting, and its exploration of the humanity of all of its characters - both the oppressors and the oppressed - is both refreshing and challenging. It is a film that is well worth seeking out for anyone interested in social justice, political activism, or the role of the state in protecting its citizens.