Thirty years ago, David Fincher released his second feature length film, “Seven,” and it instantly became one of the most visceral, unforgiving and darkest films ever to hit the mainstream film industry. 

“Seven” follows a pair of detectives, Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) as they investigate a string of grisly murders in an unnamed city (that looks an awful lot like Los Angeles) that quickly multiply and become evidence of a serial killer on the loose. 

Somerset is on the edge of retirement, a bit disenchanted and has had just about enough crime for one lifetime when we first are introduced to him on the cusp of the biggest case of his career. 

Mills is a new transfer to the department, put under the wing of the wise veteran Somerset in the hopes that he’ll teach the young guy some of his tricks on his way out the door. 

What each man gets is a the case of a lifetime that will leave them both forever changed. 

As most crime thrillers are, “Seven” relies heavily on the portrayal of the killer, in this case being John Doe, played by the now controversial, if acquitted, Kevin Spacey, who turns in one of the performances of the decade. 

“Seven” is not so much a who-dunnit as a why-he-did-it as John Doe turns himself into police custody with a half hour left in the film’s runtime and this is the moment the film really takes off into another level. 

If Spacey faltered or was unconvincing, the entire film would have fallen flat, but instead, John Doe is smug, intelligent, methodical and clinically, bat-shit insane in the best possible way. 

I don’t wish to tell you anymore of the film’s plot as it truly is best enjoyed knowing as little going in as humanly possible. 

For my money, this is the definitive “Fincher Movie” that establishes the style and tone that permeates almost all of his subsequent work. 

“Seven” serves as the blueprint upon which all later installments in Fincher’s filmography were built upon. 

Movie lines reach cult status from time to time, and “What’s in the box?!” will likely outlive every member of the cast and crew of this film and that in itself is a sign of an all-timer. 

If you somehow have never seen this film, steal someone you loves Max account and watch it, or don’t, it’s your life, but you would be missing out greatly to never see one of the best crime thrillers ever to hit the big screen. 

Categories: Arts & Entertainment