Seven

Two homicide detectives are on a desperate hunt for a serial killer whose crimes are based on the "seven deadly sins" in this dark and haunting film that takes viewers from the tortured remains of one victim to the next. The seasoned Det. Somerset researches each sin in an effort to get inside the killer's mind, while his novice partner, Mills, scoffs at his efforts to unravel the case.

Seven earned generally positive reviews on release, though critics were more divided than its reputation suggests — several found it mistaking darkness for profundity and lacking the psychological depth of the genre films it invites comparison to. The performances, especially Morgan Freeman's, drew consistent praise, while Brad Pitt's divided opinion sharply; the ending split critics almost perfectly between those who admired its grim irony and those who felt it was a betrayal of the audience.