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Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.Se7enA movie brief.
1995 / Crime Thriller / Directed by David Fincher
Two detectives hunt a killer whose crimes mirror humanity's darkest flaws.
What is Se7en about?
A disillusioned veteran detective, nearing retirement, is partnered with an idealistic newcomer in an unnamed, crime-ridden city. They are thrust into a series of gruesome murders, each seemingly inspired by the seven deadly sins.
Five things to know.
The Setup
Detective Lieutenant William Somerset, a week from retirement, reluctantly teams with new partner David Mills to investigate a bizarre murder.
A Bleak World
The film paints a picture of a perpetually gloomy, crime-ridden metropolis, reflecting a pervasive sense of urban decay and moral corruption.
Intense Pressure
As the body count rises, the detectives race against time to decipher the killer's intricate, religiously themed pattern before he strikes again.
Masterful Craft
David Fincher's direction, with its dark aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, creates a suffocating and unforgettable atmosphere of dread.
Viewing Note
Prepare for a psychologically intense and unflinching experience that explores profound themes of apathy and societal decay without easy answers.
A thought to take with you.
Mills and Somerset approach the murders from different points in their careers, but each case narrows the distance between investigation and the killer's intended audience. The city's oppressive atmosphere makes their methods and moral limits part of the suspense.
Is it your kind of movie?
Choose it for a grim detective thriller with graphic crime scenes and a bleak ending. Its sustained dread and violence are not suited to light viewing.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked September 30, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach