Review of Se7en (1995) by Guido M — 30 Sep 2014

Let me first clarify that the ending of this movie was spoiled to me before I've seen it. The internet is an unfair bitch If you haven't seen this film yet, so go watch it, and you will enjoy it more than I did.

Se7en I'd like to say is Fincher's first film (You know, counting out that Awful alien "thing") and the story is pretty simple. Two detectives, Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) go over an investigation about a series of murders concerning a killer who is obssesed with the seven deadly sins. Somerset and Mills have to find this man before he completes his seven murders, which makes for an interesting if not familiar policial thriller premise. Let's face it, it is not original, but it is good.

Fincher is king when it comes to atmosphere, and in Se7en he proves it once more. The film has a dark, eerie tone but also the production design is excellent at putting us between the walls of some of the nastiest murders ever filmed. There are buckets of gore in this movie from beginning to end, but what really elevates this film to a dauntless status is its ending, which I'm not going to spoil, but is so disturbing and thought-provoking it leaves room for an even as enjoyable second viewing. Additionally, Se7en is solid at being riveting by having this "list" type of narration when it comes to the seven murders. It is engaging from start to finish.

A perturbing, implausible thriller that is as alluring as off-putting, Se7en trades originality for panache and leaves with the big bucks.