Seven
[30th Anniversary 4K Steelbook]
Does the fact that you can remember distinct facts about a movie 30 years after you watch it mean it’s a good movie? I watched Seven once – just once – on VHS when it came out, being terrified of certain parts, and still distinctly recall certain sequences. Yes, I remember the ending, but also, surprisingly, several shots, scenes, and exchanges. I don’t know, that sounds to me like a good movie. So, how would this movie hold up 30 years later when I know the ending this is all building up to? Would I be able to poke holes all over Seven?
Nope. Because, this is legitimately a good movie.
Look, I was shocked too, but the second I put this movie on I was sucked in. And knowing the ending only made me pay more attentio. Seven has “Swiss watch” level of writing and the fact they went with THAT ending only makes it more outrageous.
Seven is all about the journey: the one we take through this psychopath’s work and the ones our protagonists Mills and Somerset go through. These two almost-polar opposites grow through each other and become different (better?) people through the process. Somerset is a jaded veteran, the brains of the team, and ready to check out. Mills is the spunky rookie, highly motivated, rough around the edges, smart but with a lot to learn. You learn to like them for who they are and where they’re going as they maneuver through all these twisted and elaborate murders.
The only thing that maybe hasn’t aged well about Seven is the music, which is cliché’ 90s industrial. So, not even good industrial. I don’t know, IS there any good industrial out there? It all sounds derivative and evocative of warehouse raves to me.
Seven is worth watching, and rewatching if you haven’t in a while. It’s well-crafted at the very least and brilliantly put together.
