Se7en

I went into Se7en expecting something incredibly overrated, but it completely proves itself and lives up to the praise. On my first watch, I definitely missed a lot of the smaller details, but I still loved it. The unnamed city, constantly raining and decaying, sets a dark and oppressive tone from the get go. It’s subtle, but it shapes the entire atmosphere. Another detail I missed was the refrain from on screen violence until the very end, which makes the impact hit much harder. Smaller details like Mills’ ‘cartoonish’ ties quietly show his immaturity, contrasting with the films unsettling and dark atmosphere. After watching several visual breakdowns of the film, I realised just how much I had missed. Moments like the shot in the car scene, where Mills appeared trapped behind the mesh while John Doe is in front of it, show how intentional every choice is. There are so many small details that you don’t fully notice at first. It’s those details that really elevate the film and secure it as a 5-star watch for me. No matter how many times you rewatch it, you’ll keep noticing new subtle elements which is a big part of why it works so well. Fincher’s direction is on another level — as perfect as it gets. I have a strong disliking for Brad Pitt, which tends to get in the way of my opinions on his filmography. It usually makes it harder for me to engage with and appreciate films he’s in, despite his clear skill as an actor. However, Se7en really allowed me to “separate the art from the artist,” and appreciate his precise, convincing performance. I’ve never had a bad thing to say about Freeman, and this performance only proves why — calm, collected, perfectly embodying his role. The two prove to be a great actor pairing, and it’s a big part of why the film works so well. Despite my initial skepticism, Se7en fully earns its acclaim — easily one of my favourite thrillers.