Suspect Zero is a psychological thriller about serial killers and missing children. It's tough to watch. A parent might be inclined to look at the movie with both hands covering his or her face. It's really, really creepy -- and so visually engaging that you almost don't notice the lack of substance.

Aaron Eckhart stars in Suspect Zero as Thomas Mackelway, an FBI agent demoted to some New Mexico backwater for messing up a case. There are hints offered that Detective Mackelway may have some minor psychic abilities.

Mackelway becomes involved in a new case involving a handful of victims, two of whom are upstanding citizens who have been horribly killed. The killer sends Mackelway pictures, hints and faxes about murders and missing persons. The viewer already knows that the mystery man communicating with Mackelway is Benjamin O'Ryan (played by Sir Ben Kingsley), but what he's doing and why are the riddles.

O'Ryan claims to be a former FBI agent, trained in remote viewing. He sees dead people. Actually, he sees them before they are dead, too. Remote viewing is a psychic ability that combines telepathy, clairvoyance and precognition.

At any rate, O'Ryan is on a quest, and he sees a role in his quest for Mackelway.

Somewhere in here, Carrie-Anne Moss turns up as Mackelway's old partner (and former lover). This is a small but tricky role that we mention because Moss is so good.

Above all, the less you know about Suspect Zero going in, the better, for despite a clever script, there isn't all that much going on here -- much as we love a story that forces you to pay attention.

The illusions of "busy," of "complex" and of "scary" are created through stunning camera work and cinematography. The moody, nervous-tic, dread-filled atmosphere is perfectly created.

Suspect Zero will have you recoiling in your seat.

(This film is rated 14-A)

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