Review of Se7en (1995)

General Information:

• Director: David Fincher
• Main Cast:
  • Brad Pitt (Detective David Mills)
  • Morgan Freeman (Detective William Somerset)
  • Gwyneth Paltrow (Tracy Mills)
  • Kevin Spacey (John Doe)
• Genre: Thriller, Crime, Mystery
• Runtime: 127 minutes
• Studio: New Line Cinema

Plot Overview:

Se7en is a grim, psychologically intense thriller that follows two detectives, the seasoned William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and the young, impulsive David Mills (Brad Pitt), as they investigate a series of brutal murders. The killer, known only as “John Doe,” chooses his victims based on the seven deadly sins—pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth—and stages their deaths in grotesque, symbolic ways. As the detectives piece together the clues, they are drawn into a nightmarish puzzle that leads them deeper into the mind of a deranged individual. With the clock ticking down, Somerset and Mills must confront their darkest fears as they chase down the elusive killer.

The film’s haunting conclusion, which shocks with its brutality and emotional weight, has become legendary, ensuring Se7en a permanent place in the pantheon of unforgettable crime thrillers.

Highlights:

1. Unforgettable Atmosphere
   • The atmosphere in Se7en is one of the film’s most defining features. David Fincher’s direction, combined with Darius Khondji’s haunting cinematography, creates a dark, oppressive tone that permeates every scene. The rain-soaked streets, grimy urban settings, and shadowy interiors contribute to a world that feels suffocating, almost as though the city itself is a character in the story. The atmosphere is suffused with an ever-present sense of dread, perfectly reflecting the psychological tension at the heart of the narrative.
2. Incredible Performances
   • The performances in Se7en are extraordinary, with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman delivering some of the best work of their careers. Freeman’s portrayal of Detective Somerset is a masterclass in understated, nuanced acting. He plays a man on the brink of retirement, a cynic who has seen too much of the world’s darkness, yet he is drawn into this case with a deep moral sense of duty. Pitt’s Detective Mills, on the other hand, is fiery, impulsive, and emotionally driven. His rawness contrasts beautifully with Freeman’s calm, intellectual demeanor, making their partnership compelling to watch.
   • Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of John Doe, though he appears in limited scenes, is chilling in its minimalism. Spacey brings an unsettling calmness to the role, playing a character whose calculated madness is both terrifying and intellectually alluring. John Doe is a killer motivated by a warped sense of justice, and Spacey’s ability to remain enigmatic while exuding menace makes him one of the most memorable villains in film history.
3. The Psychological Horror
   • Se7en is a psychological horror more than a traditional slasher or crime film. The brutality of the murders, while shocking, is not the central focus; rather, it is the toll the case takes on Somerset and Mills that drives the narrative. As they delve deeper into the mind of the killer, they find themselves confronting their own beliefs, values, and even their darkest impulses. The film’s exploration of morality, justice, and human nature is hauntingly profound, elevating it beyond mere genre thrills. The detectives’ individual journeys—Somerset’s world-weariness and Mills’s growing disillusionment—make the stakes feel personal and raw.
4. The Impactful Themes
   • At its core, Se7en is a meditation on the nature of sin, guilt, and the human condition. The killer’s actions are driven by a perverse, twisted interpretation of the seven deadly sins, which forces the detectives—and the audience—to question what makes someone “good” or “evil.” The film uses the framework of the sins as both a moral structure and a device to unravel the characters’ psyches. Somerset’s belief that “the world is a bad place” is challenged by Mills’s idealism and sense of justice, creating a philosophical clash that is both thought-provoking and unsettling.
5. The Legendary Ending
   • Without giving too much away, Se7en is renowned for its gut-punch of an ending, which remains one of the most shocking and unforgettable conclusions in cinematic history. The final twist is brilliantly executed, tying together the film’s themes of sin, fate, and justice while leaving the audience with a deep sense of unease. It’s a masterclass in tension-building, and the way Fincher delivers the finale is both haunting and emotionally devastating. It’s a conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll, forcing viewers to grapple with its moral ambiguity.

Criticisms:

1. Disturbing and Unsettling
   • While the film’s dark atmosphere and disturbing subject matter are key to its effectiveness, some viewers may find Se7en too bleak and unsettling. The graphic depictions of the murders, though not gratuitous, are deeply disturbing, and the film’s relentless tone of despair may be overwhelming for some. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from confronting the darkest corners of the human psyche, which can be difficult to stomach for sensitive viewers.
2. Slow Pacing
   • Se7en has a deliberate pacing, which is part of what builds the mounting sense of dread throughout the film. However, some viewers might find the slow build-up to the final act to be tedious, particularly if they’re expecting a faster-paced thriller. The film takes its time to develop the relationship between Somerset and Mills, and while this deepens the emotional impact of the film, it can feel slow in comparison to more action-oriented thrillers.
3. Limited Screen Time for the Killer
   • Kevin Spacey’s John Doe, while iconic in his brief appearances, doesn’t have much screen time compared to traditional antagonists. This absence may leave some viewers wanting more development of the villain’s motives and background. However, Fincher’s choice to keep John Doe an enigmatic figure only adds to the character’s terrifying presence—yet some may feel that more insight into his past would have enriched the narrative even further.

Verdict:

Se7en is a dark and haunting masterpiece that redefined the crime thriller genre. David Fincher’s precise direction, combined with exceptional performances from Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey, delivers a story that is both chilling and intellectually engaging. The film’s exploration of morality, justice, and sin, paired with its shocking and unforgettable conclusion, makes it one of the most impactful films of the 1990s and a classic in the thriller genre.

While the subject matter is undeniably disturbing and the pacing deliberate, Se7en is an intense, thought-provoking experience that challenges the viewer’s assumptions about good and evil. The film’s legacy endures not only because of its brutal and atmospheric storytelling but also due to the lasting impact of its themes and unforgettable ending.

Rating: 10/10