The Usual Suspects, the crime thriller directed by Bryan Singer and starring Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Spacey, Benicio del Toro, Stephen Baldwin, and Kevin Pollak, airs on France 4 on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
Following an anonymous tip, five criminals are brought together by police for an identification lineup. Lacking any evidence, the men are released, but the encounter nudge them toward plotting a joint operation. Their collaboration soon ensnares them in a far bigger case, defined by the disappearance of $91 million and the deaths of 27 people aboard a cargo ship.
Only two men appear to have survived the massacre. Among them, Roger “Verbal” Kint, a small-time crook with a disability, is questioned by Customs Agent David Kujan. His tale traces the chain of events that brought the five suspects to the port of San Pedro and brings to light the name of Keyser Söze, the elusive criminal mastermind whose very existence remains shrouded in mystery.
Released in French cinemas in 1995, The Usual Suspects hinges on a screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie. The film adopts a storytelling approach built around the interrogation of Verbal Kint, weaving between his testimony and the events he describes. This structure invites audiences to piece together the connections between the characters and to question the reliability of the narrative being presented.
The cast brings together Gabriel Byrne in the role of Dean Keaton, a former cop suspected of slipping back into crime, Kevin Spacey as Verbal Kint, and also Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollak, and Benicio del Toro. Chazz Palminteri portrays David Kujan, the investigator charged with uncovering what really happened on the cargo ship.
Presented out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995, the movie won two Oscars: Best Original Screenplay for Christopher McQuarrie and Best Supporting Actor for Kevin Spacey. Its plot and twist have cemented Keyser Söze as one of the most iconic figures in modern thrillers.
Usual Suspects airs on France 4 on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.. The channel warns it is not suitable for viewers under 10.
To go further, check out our picks of films, series and shows to watch on TV this week, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s selection: What to watch today on streaming.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
