I’ve never really compiled lists of my all-time favorite movies; I don't think having a definitive Top 10 or Top 20 is something I do. But if I were to create such a list, *Se7en* would certainly be on it. This was another viewing of the classic film that had a significant impact on filmmaking and launched David Fincher’s career—I choose to overlook its connection to *Alien 3* because of the known production issues. With his upcoming film, *Mank*, arriving on Netflix soon, I've decided to revisit several of his movies this week, starting with *Se7en*. It had been quite some time since I last saw it, and honestly, I’d forgotten key plot points and a crucial detail about the ending. This allowed me to experience *Se7en* in a fresh way. Andrew Kevin Walker's screenplay contains one of the most intriguing, mysterious, and captivating narratives I’ve ever encountered. From beginning to end, I was constantly on edge—on my couch, but still anxious—and feeling incredibly tense. I found myself biting my nails, fidgeting, changing positions; it was so absorbing that I didn't even write about it until more than twenty-four hours had passed. One of the most impressive things is how Fincher manages to disturb audiences by showing only a single death on screen. It’s an extremely dark, gory, blood-soaked film full of horrible images of dead bodies, but the actual murders never happen visually. Instead, Fincher uses a simple photo or a line of dialogue to let the viewer's imagination fill in the blanks—and it's just as or even more effective than showing graphic violence. As the story suggests, the serial killer draws inspiration from the "seven deadly sins," targeting those he considers guilty and killing them (or letting them kill themselves) in clever ways, turning their sin against them. The scenes involving gluttony and sloth are particularly brutal to witness, but the lust murder is the one that lingers in my mind. That scene is also left more ambiguous, intended for viewers who appreciate a bit of imagination. In 1995, a film with such a bleak atmosphere and dark story might not have been well-received, and *Se7en* did get its share of negative reviews—criticisms centered on it being too obscure, sinister, overly violent, and the ending being unacceptable. However, over time, it gained popularity, attracting fans worldwide, and is now considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made, a view I share. From the excellent cast to the captivating detective work, the final act stands out as one of the most shocking conclusions in film history. I’m keeping this review spoiler-free because I don't want to ruin the experience for those who haven't seen it. That’s also why I’m omitting a certain actor from the cast list, just as the marketing team did when the movie was originally released (I will address that later). Fincher's final act is simply perfect. Everything shown on screen in the last twenty minutes represents filmmaking at its finest—an impressively suspenseful build-up leading to a jaw-dropping climax and a mind-blowing revelation. *Se7en*'s ending remains one of the most brutally shocking conclusions ever put on film. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt have wonderful chemistry together, portraying two characters who couldn't be more different. Somerset is a seasoned detective with meticulous attention to detail, knowledgeable, and always curious about the case. Freeman embodies this character effortlessly, delivering a subtle yet powerful performance. Pitt portrays Mills, an immature replacement for the soon-to-retire detective. Despite his apparent lack of professionalism, Mills is clever, relentless in pursuing the killer, and desperate to prove himself. Both actors deliver outstanding performances that perfectly capture their characters. Technically speaking, where does one begin? From Howard Shore’s haunting score to Darius Khondji's documentary-like cinematography, which creates a tremendously realistic atmosphere, it's the phenomenal production design that truly stands out. Fincher wanted the city to feel dirty, rainy, and depressing—as authentic and real as possible. The film's opening dialogue is intended to highlight the bleakness of this place, but even without those lines, any viewer would recognize the absence of color, joyfulness, and life in this unfamiliar location. Fincher’s filmmaking techniques are on full display, a glimpse into his early work. It’s impossible to imagine a film like *Se7en* being made today. It wouldn't be conceivable to completely hide one of the main actors from press events and trailers. We live in an era where movie promotion requires everything and everyone. Nowadays, trailers reveal too much, which is hardly news. The ending was altered by Pitt and Fincher because the studio wanted a more conventional conclusion. While filmmakers may have greater creative freedom now, there are still instances of executive producers interfering with a director's vision. *Se7en* was released at a time when it probably shouldn’t have been—but fortunately, it was. *Se7en* might be the best sophomore movie ever directed, and it’s certainly one of my favorite films of all-time. David Fincher’s classic features an incredibly dark, somber, violent story with one of the most emotionally shocking conclusions I've ever seen, anchored by a captivating screenplay. The lack of on-screen deaths is both surprising and powerfully effective, relying on the viewer’s imagination to complete the picture. Freeman and Pitt are exceptional as the iconic detectives, delivering truly brilliant performances. Fincher’s signature filmmaking style shines through in every aspect of the film's production, contributing to its incredible realism—from the documentary-like camera work to the ominous score. The authentic production design establishes a depressing tone, a bleak atmosphere, and a rainy, colorless, lifeless city. It is technically flawless; one of the greatest films ever made. I can’t recommend it enough. Rating: A+

Source on TMDB