Today’s quick review: Se7en. With just seven days to go until retirement, Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) is partnered with David Mills (Brad Pitt), a recent transfer eager to cut his teeth on a high-profile case. David gets his chance when the two detectives are assigned to a series of grisly murders patterned after the Seven Deadly Sins. As the victims mount, Somerset and Mills must unravel the killer’s bizarre clues to solve the case.
Se7en is a dark crime thriller from director David Fincher. Se7en takes place in a bleak, crime-ridden city that becomes home to a deranged serial killer bent on punishing sin. The movie pairs a crafty but world-weary homicide detective with a young, keen partner who has yet to see the worst the job can dish out. Skillful acting, a winding mystery, iconic plot twists, and top-notch craftsmanship make Se7en a gripping and disturbing watch.
Se7en has a simple premise but takes it farther and executes it with more skill than nearly any other crime thriller. Its graphic content and dark tone set it apart from the safer entries into the genre, while its nuanced characters and complex mystery make it more than just a vehicle for gore and cynicism. Se7en has all the pieces it needs to assemble a fascinating puzzle, all backed by rock-solid writing, acting, and direction.
Se7en is not for the faint of heart. Its gruesome imagery begins in the opening credits and remains a constant until the final scene. The murders are deliberately shocking, and the tension ratchets up as Somerset and Mills draw closer to the killer. With that said, Se7en is not a full-blown horror movie. It has only one or two scares, and its gore, tension, and bleak tone are all in service of the story, not pursued for their own sake.
Se7en is well worth a watch for anyone who can stomach its violence. The movie excels at exactly what it should: atmosphere, mystery, and anticipation, with enough variety in its story beats to keep the plot interesting. Its only major weakness is its dedication to its vision: Se7en is an unflinchingly dark movie that will not be to every viewer’s tastes. Those who are intrigued should give it a shot; those who are put off should steer well clear.
For a gripping crime drama from the same director, try Zodiac. For a less violent but similarly well-crafted crime movie, try L.A. Confidential. For a superhero movie with a similar plot and atmosphere, try The Dark Knight trilogy. For a moody mystery that’s even more mind-bending, try Shutter Island. For a crime thriller with a similar premise and a less elaborate story, try The Bone Collector.
8.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for strong acting and directing and a tightly assembled plot; your score will vary considerably with taste.