Se7en

Seven (stylized as Se7en) is a gripping crime thriller that debuted on 22 September 1995. Directed by David Fincher and penned by Andrew Kevin Walker, the film stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, supported by Gwyneth Paltrow and John C. McGinley. The film's dark narrative is set in an unnamed city plagued by crime, following two detectives as they pursue a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motive.

Walker drew inspiration for Seven from his move to New York City in the late 1980s, a time marked by rising crime and drug addiction. Initially, his screenplay was picked up by an Italian studio, but after financial issues, the rights were sold to New Line Cinema. The studio expressed concerns over the film's grim ending, preferring a more conventional and upbeat conclusion. However, after Fincher, determined to reclaim his directorial reputation following the troubled production of Alien 3 (1992), read Walker's original script, he insisted on maintaining the dark finale. The film was shot in Los Angeles over several months, with a budget of $33-$34 million.

Despite initial mixed reactions from test audiences, Seven became a sleeper hit, grossing approximately $327.3 million worldwide, making it the seventh-highest-grossing film of that year. Critics praised the performances of the cast and the film's shocking conclusion, leading to a revitalization of Fincher's career and helping Pitt transition to more serious roles.

As the film unfolds, Detective Lieutenant William Somerset (Freeman), who is nearing retirement, teams up with the younger, more volatile Detective David Mills (Pitt). Their investigations lead them through a series of grotesque murders, each reflecting one of the seven deadly sins. The film begins with the discovery of a victim who has died from gluttony, followed by a series of increasingly disturbing crimes.

Somerset and Mills' partnership evolves through their interactions with Mills' wife, Tracy, who expresses her concerns about raising a child in such a violent city. The detectives uncover clues that lead them to the killer, known only as John Doe (played by Kevin Spacey), whose philosophy revolves around punishing societal sins.

The film's climax is notorious for its shocking twist. After Doe surrenders to the police, he manipulates Mills into a final confrontation, revealing his deadly envy. During this tense encounter, Mills learns that Doe has killed Tracy, resulting in a tragic and violent conclusion to the film.

In the years that followed its release, Seven has been re-evaluated as a modern classic, influencing numerous television shows and films. Its innovative title sequence and chilling atmosphere have left a lasting impact on the thriller genre. Critics and audiences alike have hailed its exploration of morality and the human condition, cementing its place in cinematic history.

The film received an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 65 on Metacritic, indicating generally favorable reviews. The film's shocking ending has become iconic, often quoted and referenced in popular culture, making Seven a significant entry in the annals of thriller films.