VIOLETTE TORRANCE

Step out of the lovely sunny reality that is summer and into the dark and drizzly world of director David Fincher’s classic horror-filled crime-thriller, Se7en (1995). 

This is a truly disturbing film but all the rain in it also makes it delightfully cozy. Brad Pitt standing in a downpour with two little coffees? Yes please! Even if you have not seen this movie since it first came out over thirty years ago, I bet you still remember it. It is, after all, unforgettable. If you have never seen Se7en, well … buckle-up! You are in for a not-to-be-missed creepy treat.

This movie is peak 90s and stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow. Pitt plays a rookie detective named David Mills and Freeman plays his newly appointed but very veteran partner, William Somerset. If you do not plan on venturing out to see this movie, I ask you, what kind of monster does not wish to see a young Brad Pitt in a horrifying collection of his own brought-from-home ties? Or Morgan Freeman toting a switchblade? Back to the ties though. Why on earth did Brad Pitt even own a basketballs and hoops tie he could bring to set?

Anyways, Se7en is all-around extremely unsettling but there is more than enough comic relief. From Mills pouring Somerset a milk-glass full of wine, to the former’s plethora of hardy-har-har one-liners. Undoubtedly though, the most famous line to spring from Mills’ mouth in this movie is the iconic, “what’s in the box?” It is (maybe) a little like Tom Cruise’s “show me the money” line in terms of memorability but with a very-very different vibe. Also, perhaps a spoiler but I think you should know there is a scene in which Mills and Somerset (and therefore Pitt and Freeman) shave their chests together.

There are some memorably gruesome practical effects in Se7en. For example, the “sloth” victim’s makeup took fourteen hours. You will never forget the delightfully disgustingness resulting from all that time and skill. Though honestly, I find the scene where Tracy (Paltrow) picks “crusties” out of her beloved husband’s eye … to be the most gross. Anyways, go now, get your fill of rainy scenes and serial killer chasing. Most importantly, enjoy this unforgettable classic from 1995!