Se7en (1995)

Se7en (stylized as SE7EN) is a psychological crime thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. The film follows the new-to-the-force Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt) and the retiring Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) as they pursue a serial killer whose elaborate murders are based on the seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, sloth, lust, pride, envy, and wrath. The film is set in an unnamed, perpetually rain-soaked, decaying city that feels like a character itself—a place of moral decay and hopelessness.

As the investigation deepens, Somerset, a contemplative, educated man nearing retirement, and Mills, his impulsive and ambitious replacement, form an uneasy partnership. The contrast between Somerset's world-weary wisdom and Mills' youthful idealism provides much of the film's philosophical tension. The killer, whose identity is revealed as John Doe (Kevin Spacey), embarks on a meticulous, year-long plan to punish those he sees as representative of society's sins, creating elaborate crime scenes that double as grotesque works of art.

Known for its dark, gritty atmosphere, relentless tension, and shocking ending, Se7en has become a landmark in the psychological thriller genre. The film explores themes of evil, nihilism, and the thin line between justice and vengeance. David Fincher's atmospheric direction, combined with Darius Khondji's distinctive cinematography, creates a bleak, oppressive world that perfectly complements the disturbing narrative. Se7en's infamous climax—featuring the line "What's in the box?"—has become one of cinema's most memorable and devastating finales, cementing the film's status as a modern classic.