Seven

Seven gives us two detectives in an unnamed city: Somerset, who is nearly retired and thoroughly tired of it all, and Mills, his newly transferred partner. They are trying to stop a killer whose murders are built around the seven deadly sins. That is quite enough of the plot from me. I like you.

The fear is in the pattern. Once the detectives understand what connects the murders, the question is what the killer might do next. It is a horrible thing to have to think about, and the idea can get under your skin without anyone needing to explain every detail over your shoulder.

I would put this on for a dark night when you want to pay attention and can tolerate sitting with an unpleasant thought for a while. If you want a gentle spooky film to keep you company while you make tea, perhaps save this one. Your tea deserves a less stressful evening too.

What makes Seven interesting to me is the clash between its detectives. Somerset is close to leaving the job; Mills has only just arrived. Both have to face the same case, with no comfortable way to look away. That is the sort of fear that follows you out of the room.