Dark and Provocative Thriller

Rating: 8/10 (9 August 2009)

In "Seven," it's always raining. Some parts take place in daylight, but the world is dark, gloomy, and decrepit. And this makes for a dark and disturbing thriller.
Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) is trying to finish up his last week before he retires. To that end, he shows his replacement, Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt). But before introductions are over, they are facing a brilliant killer with a diabolical plan.
David Fincher is known for his visually arresting and atmospheric films, and "Seven" is no different. This is a film that is drenched in atmosphere and menace. From the first frame, it is clear that this will not be a happy movie, but one filled with violence and menace. But for all the effort that goes into the film's look, it's not that involving. And that is the film's biggest problem. "Seven" is still a good film, containing many moments of genuine suspense, and it's always engaging.
In murder mysteries, the protagonists are usually stock characters, leaving the only real acting to the villain. Not so here. Mills and Somerset are clearly different, and Pitt and Freeman are up to the task of making them seem different. Somerset is quiet, reflective and patient. Mills is the exact opposite: arrogant, hyper and quick to action. He only wants the answers, but not the context to understand the kind of person he's pursuing. Gwyneth Paltrow is largely wasted, but she makes full use of what she's given.
Many thrillers have unexpected plot twists, and "Seven" is no different. DO NOT, under ANY circumstances, allow anyone to reveal the last 20 minutes to you. The film's ending is one of the greatest twist endings in film history.
"Seven" is a unique thriller, and a pretty good one at that. But it could have been a lot more.