Seven (1995) || Gritty, Intense and Haunting

If you’re in the mood for a dark, unsettling thriller that will leave you questioning humanity and its capacity for evil, Seven is the perfect film. I had heard a lot about this movie, and I decided to watch it last night. It turned out to be a disturbing but gripping experience.

Synopsis (Spoilers)

Seven, directed by David Fincher, follows detectives William Somerset and David Mills as they investigate a series of gruesome murders based on the seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, sloth, lust, pride, envy, and wrath.

The movie opens with Detective Somerset, a veteran cop on the verge of retirement, being assigned to work with Mills, a brash young detective who has just transferred to the city with his wife, Tracy. The two detectives have different approaches to life and act like cats and rats when around each other, but they’re forced to work together when a series of grotesque murders begins to unfold.

The first victim, representing gluttony, is a morbidly obese man who is forced to eat until his stomach bursts. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, as the detectives realize that they’re dealing with a meticulous and methodical killer.

As they dig deep into the investigation, the murders become increasingly horrific and personal. Each murder scene is more gruesome than the last, and the detectives’ desperation to catch the killer grows. The tension between Somerset and Mills also mounts as their differing philosophies on justice and morality clash.

The killer, John Doe, later turns himself in after the sixth murder, which represents envy. In a shocking twist, Doe reveals that he envied Mills’ seemingly perfect life and confesses to killing Mills' wife, Tracy, who was pregnant, as a manifestation of his envy. The film ends with a horrifying final act of violence when Mills, consumed by wrath, shoots Doe, becoming the final sin himself.

My Review and Rating

I can't help but commend Fincher’s direction of this film; it's both meticulous and haunting. Also the film’s bleak, rain soaked cityscape helps set the tone for its exploration of the darkest aspects of human nature. The use of lighting and cinematography is exceptional as it creates a sense of dread and hopelessness that permeates every scene.

The performances on the other hand are another standout. Brad Pitt, as Detective Mills, perfectly captures the frustration and intensity of a man driven by a desire for justice but blinded by his emotions. Morgan Freeman, as Somerset, provides a steady, wise presence. He embodies the weary detective who has seen too much and is looking for a way out. John Doe’s character is also chilling and memorable as he delivers a calm performance despite being a ruthless killer that makes his character even more terrifying.

What I found most compelling about this film is its exploration of the nature of evil and morality. The film doesn’t shy away from asking uncomfortable questions about justice, punishment, and the human condition. I was forced to confront the idea that evil can be banal, methodical, and calculating, rather than simply a matter of chaotic violence.

The ending, to be honest, is one of the most memorable in thriller cinema. It left me feeling hollow and shaken but also in awe of how bold and uncompromising the storytelling was. I didn’t expect such a grim conclusion anyway, and it made me think about the consequences of Mills’ actions long after the credits rolled.

However, I'll tell you this for free, Seven is not for everyone. It’s a bleak and terrifying film that doesn’t offer easy answers or comforting resolutions. The violence is detailed and the subject matter is heavy, hence my reason for stating that it's not for everyone, especially those who prefer lighter fare.

Rating: 4.5/5

Do I recommend it? Yes, but be prepared for a disturbing and intense ride. If you can handle its grim tone and graphic content, then you should check it out.