Part 2/9:
As The Usual Suspects made its way into the hearts of moviegoers—often through word of mouth in basements and living rooms—the buzz evolved from mere comparisons to Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs to a legendary status in its own right. The film would become a rite of passage for cinephiles, a crippling twist that left audiences reevaluating their understanding of its narrative.
Justin Neil, who presents this examination, recalls the thrill of experiencing the film for the first time, thanks to his older sister, and describes the feeling of befuddlement and astonishment that the film’s masterful twist engenders. The genius lies not in the deception itself, but in how the audience ultimately feels; rather than being swindled, viewers find themselves eager for a second watch.