Presumed Innocent

Rusty Sabich, a respected deputy prosecutor, begins an affair with a younger colleague. When she is murdered, suspicion falls on him and a harrowing investigation unfolds. Sabich's instinct to defend himself collides with political pressure, a wary judge, and a cautious prosecutor who doubts him. Lies, rival loyalties, and hidden resentments surface as the case tightens around his alibis. The courtroom becomes a tense arena where appearances clash with reality, and every testimony risks turning another personal betrayal into legal peril. Told from shifting perspectives, the story keeps the truth just out of reach, while desire and duty pull at Sabich from every side. The stakes feel personal as Sabich wrestles with loyalty, ego, and the cost of keeping secrets.

Released in 1990, the film was directed by Alan J. Pakula and adapted from Scott Turow's novel by Frank Pierson, a high profile collaboration for a courtroom thriller. It marked Pakula's continued interest in morally complex stories and star performances.

With a budget of 22 million, it grossed 221,303,188 worldwide, delivering a strong return for a courtroom thriller and helping establish Harrison Ford in a dramatic role. Its success propelled Ford into dramatic roles and revived interest in legal procedurals.

Ford anchors the story with a restrained but intense performance that balances suspicion and vulnerability. Raul Julia as the defense lawyer and Pakula's crisp courtroom pacing contributed to a template later copied by legal thrillers on film and television, influencing how ambition and guilt are depicted within the thriller genre.

Critics praised the film for its intricate plotting and moral ambiguity, highlighting how desire collides with duty and how presumption and doubt shape justice. The story invites viewers to question appearances while keeping the suspense airtight, aided by precise performances and restrained direction throughout, remaining a touchstone for fans worldwide.