Held in an L.A. interrogation room, Verbal Kint attempts to convince the feds that a mythic crime lord, Keyser Soze, not only exists, but was also responsible for drawing him and his four partners into a multi-million dollar heist that ended with an explosion in San Pedro harbor – leaving few survivors. Verbal lures his interrogators with an incredible story of the crime lord's almost supernatural prowess.

Expertly shot and edited, The Usual Suspects gives the audience a simple plot and then piles on layers of deceit, twists, and violence before pulling out the rug from underneath.

'The Usual Suspects' is acclaimed for its intricate plot, iconic twist, and masterful storytelling. Kevin Spacey's performance and the ensemble cast are praised for depth and believability. Themes of manipulation and betrayal are central, with Verbal Kint as a complex figure. Bryan Singer's direction and Christopher McQuarrie's screenplay are noted for precision and suspense. The atmospheric direction, sound design, and score enhance immersion. Despite criticisms of the convoluted plot and twist's impact on coherence, it is a seminal crime thriller.