Se7en

 

David Fincher's "Se7en" is among my own personal favorites, and it has a lot to do with how skillfully it shocks and unnerves its viewer. This psycho-thriller tracks Detectives Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) as they hunt a serial murderer who kills his victims according to the seven deadly sins. The dark cinematography of the film, with rain-soaked and low-lit visuals, casts an oppressive spell, and the slow, measured editing creates a sense of suspense. Tracking shots and close-ups draw audiences into the horrific crime scenes, and the creepy sound design—punctuated with droning noises and unnerving sounds—reinforces the sense of horror, making it impossible to look away. The most shocking point in the movie is its tragic plot twist: the notorious "what's in the box?" scene.

Rather than a conventional action-packed finale, Fincher employs staid camera movement, jittery handheld shots, and quick cuts between Mills' collapse and Somerset's terror to heighten the tension. Sound design is important, as we never actually get to see the horrific reveal, but the contrast of Pitt's anguished performance and Spacey's icy composure makes it even more chilling. This unforgettable conclusion seals "Se7en" as one of the greatest and best-made thrillers in the history of film.