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Se7en

Se7en is a 1995 American crime thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Se7en is a 1995 American crime thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. It follows two homicide detectives, William Somerset and David Mills, as they investigate a serial killer who stages murders around the seven deadly sins. The film stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Kevin Spacey.

Plot

The story follows veteran detective William Somerset and younger detective David Mills as they track a serial killer whose crimes are modeled on the seven deadly sins. Their investigation becomes increasingly grim as they close in on John Doe.

Production

Se7en was directed by David Fincher from a screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker. It was released in 1995 and became known for its dark visual style and bleak tone.

Cast

The principal cast includes Morgan Freeman as Somerset, Brad Pitt as Mills, and Kevin Spacey as John Doe. Gwyneth Paltrow appears as Tracy Mills in a supporting role.

Themes

The film explores morality, punishment, despair, and the symbolic use of the seven deadly sins. Its structure builds toward a famous ending centered on the final sin, wrath.

Key facts

  • The film is set in an unnamed, crime-ridden city and centers on two detectives investigating a serial killer.
  • The killer’s murders are themed around the seven deadly sins.
  • Morgan Freeman plays Detective William Somerset and Brad Pitt plays Detective David Mills.
  • Kevin Spacey plays the serial killer, John Doe.
  • The film was directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker.
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Canadian context

Se7en has been widely distributed and discussed in Canadian film culture as a major 1990s Hollywood thriller, but it is not specifically Canadian in setting or production.

Frequently asked questions

What is Se7en about?
It is about two homicide detectives investigating a serial killer who stages murders around the seven deadly sins.
Who directed Se7en?
Se7en was directed by David Fincher.
Who stars in Se7en?
The film stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Kevin Spacey, with Gwyneth Paltrow in a supporting role.
What are the seven deadly sins in Se7en?
The film uses the traditional seven deadly sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.
What is the box in Se7en?
The box is the package delivered near the end of the film containing the item used to reveal the killer’s final plan and to confirm the fate of Detective Mills’ wife.
Is Se7en based on a true story?
No. Se7en is a fictional film written by Andrew Kevin Walker, not a true-crime adaptation.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_(1995_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, plot, release year, runtime, country, language
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/seven
    Supports: Plot synopsis, director, cast, genre, rating, release context
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114369/
    Supports: Plot summary, cast, genre, runtime
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114369/plotsummary/
    Supports: Detailed plot summary, seven deadly sins premise
  5. ScreenRant — https://www.screenrant.com/seven-movie-ending-explained/
    Supports: Explanation of the box and ending twist