SE7EN

“Seven” is a 1995 dark, psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. The film follows two detectives, the soon-to-retire William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and the ambitious newcomer David Mills (Brad Pitt), as they hunt down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as motifs for his murders.

The story begins with Somerset, a seasoned and cynical detective, counting down his last week before retirement. He is joined by Mills, who has recently transferred to the city with his wife Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow). The two detectives are initially at odds due to their differing approaches to police work. Still, they must quickly learn to work together as they are called to investigate a series of gruesome and meticulously planned murders.

The first victim is found force-fed to death, representing the sin of gluttony. The second victim, a prominent defense attorney, is forced to cut a pound of flesh from his own body, symbolizing greed. As Somerset and Mills delve deeper into the case, they realize they are dealing with a methodical and highly intelligent killer who views his murders as a form of moral purification.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives uncover more victims: a slothful drug dealer left to rot in his apartment for a year, a lustful man forced to kill a prostitute horrifyingly, and a vain model mutilated and left to choose between living disfigured or committing suicide. Each crime scene is laden with clues that taunt and challenge the detectives, further showcasing the killer’s twisted rationale.

Throughout the investigation, Tracy confides in Somerset about her loneliness and unhappiness in the city. She reveals that she is pregnant but is unsure about raising a child in such a bleak environment. Somerset advises her to tell Mills, adding another layer of tension to the story.

The killer, John Doe (Kevin Spacey), eventually turns himself in, covered in the blood of his latest victim. If they agree to his terms, he offers to lead the detectives to the final two victims. Reluctantly, Somerset and Mills agree, and Doe takes them to a remote location in the desert.

At the site, a delivery van arrives with a package. Somerset opens it to find Tracy’s severed head, realizing that Doe has orchestrated the entire series of events to culminate in this moment. John Doe reveals that he envies Mills’ life and has committed the sin of envy by killing Tracy. Enraged and devastated, Mills fulfills Doe’s plan by shooting him, thus committing the sin of wrath.

The film ends with Somerset reflecting on humanity’s nature and its darkness. Mills is taken away, broken by the events that have transpired, and Somerset decides to delay his retirement, knowing that his work in their grim world is far from over. “Seven” is renowned for its atmospheric tension, complex characters, and shocking twists. It is also David Fincher’s debut feature film.