The Crime Genre
The crime movies, also known as Giallo or investigative thriller, is a type of fiction that focuses on solving a mystery or crime through the use of investigative techniques, often conducted by a professional detective or amateur character.
The crime genre has its roots in 19th-century literature, especially the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. However, the genre became particularly popular in the 20th century, thanks to authors such as Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett.
Crime stories can be divided into several categories, such as classic crime stories, hard-boiled novels, crime novels, and psychological thrillers. Classic crime novels, for example, focus on the conundrum of the mystery, often offering a variety of clues for the reader to try to interpret. Hard-boiled novels, on the other hand, are characterized by a male protagonist who often finds himself caught up in violent and desperate situations.
One of the main features of the crime genre is the importance of intellect and logic in solving crime. Often, the lead investigator uses deduction, evidence analysis, and questioning of suspects to solve the case. Also, many crime stories focus on the subject of injustice and the struggle for justice.
The crime genre has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing numerous movies, television shows, and video games. Some of the more famous characters in the genre include Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade.
The Crime Movie in the History of Cinema
Crime movies have played a significant role in the history of cinema, substantially influencing filmmaking around the world.
One of the first crime movies is “The Great Train Robbery” from 1903, which tells the story of a train robbery. This film is considered to be one of the first fiction films and established many of the genre’s tropes, such as the outlaw and the detective.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the crime genre became popular in the United States, thanks to movies such as “M” by Fritz Lang, John Huston’s “The Maltese Falcon” and Billy Wilder’s “Double Indemnity”. These movies are characterized by a dark tone and sensitivity noir, with cynical and often moral ambiguous protagonists.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the crime genre was influenced by European cinema, especially the English New Wave and from Italian cinema. movies such as Jean-Luc Godard’s “Breathless” influenced the narrative and style of the genre, leading to an increased focus on character psychology and social issues.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the crime genre underwent another transformation, with the rise of action cinema and martial arts movies. Movies like Don Siegel’s ‘Dirty Harry’, William Friedkin’s ‘The French Connection’ and Richard Donner’s ‘Lethal Weapon’ introduced new filming and editing techniques, along with more muscular and adrenaline-pumping protagonists.
In recent years, the crime genre has continued to evolve, with an increased focus on diversity and representation. Movies like Spike Lee’s ‘BlacKkKlansman’ introduced social and political issues within the genre, leading to a new generation of committed crime movies.
Crime Movie Directors
There have been many notable exponents of crime movie throughout the history of cinema, the most significant being:
Alfred Hitchcock – Hitchcock directed some of the most influential crime movies in history, including ‘Psycho’ and ‘Vertigo’. His movies often focus on the psychology of the characters and the suspense.
Quentin Tarantino – Tarantino is an American director known for his ability to weave together complex stories and create memorable characters. Among his most famous crime movies are ‘Reservoir Dogs’, ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Jackie Brown’.
Sidney Lumet – Lumet was one of the most important directors in American cinema of the 70s and 80s, and directed some of the most influential crime movies in history, including “Serpico” and “12 Angry Men”. His movies often focus on social justice and corruption.
Brian De Palma – De Palma is an American director known for his skill in using suspense and tension. Among his most famous crime movies are ‘Scarface’, ‘The Untouchables’ and ‘Carlito’s Way’.
Dario Argento: famous for directing “Profondo Rosso” and “Tenebre”, among others.
Umberto Lenzi: known for directing movies such as “Roma a mano armata” and “Milan hates: the police cannot shoot”.
Other famous directors for crime movies are:
David Fincher (Seven, Zodiac, Gone Girl)
William Friedkin (The French Connection, To Live and Die in L.A., Killer Joe).
Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral, Thief).
Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty, Point Break, Near Dark).
Jean-Pierre Melville – “The Samurai” (Le Samouraï) and “The Red Circle” (Le Cercle Rouge)
Henri-Georges Clouzot – noto per aver diretto “Le diaboliques” (The Diaboliques), a masterpiece film not to be missed, and “Quai des Orfèvres”
Jacques Audiard – known for having directed “Un prophète” and “De rouille et d’os” (Ruggine e ossa)
Olivier Marchal – “36 Quai des Orfèvres” and “Les Lyonnais”
Bertrand Tavernier – “L.627” and “Captain Conan”
Pierre Morel – “Taken” and “Banlieue 13” (District 13)
Jean-François Richet – “Mesrine: The Death Instinct” and “Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1”
Crime Movies to Watch
Here is a list of great crime movies to see, from the thirties to today, strictly in chronological order.
M (1931)
It is a 1931 crime movie directed by Fritz Lang and considered one of the masterpieces of German and world cinema.
The film is set in 1930s Germany and tells the story of a serial killer killing children. Played by Peter Lorre, the killer is called “the monster of Düsseldorf” and sows panic among the population. The police try in every way to capture him, but the only way to do it seems to be to mobilize the common criminals of the city, who in turn want to get rid of the danger posed by the killer.
The film was innovative for its time, as it presented a realistic and gritty approach to violence, and introduced elements of cinema German Expressionist. Lang was able to create a constant tension and a feeling of foreboding thanks to his mastery of direction and the memorable performance of Lorre, who made the character of the killer incredibly disturbing and disturbing.
The film was also notable for its social and political commentary, as it highlighted Germany’s economic and moral crisis at the time, unemployment and insecurity driving some people to commit acts of violence. The film was seen as a critique of criminal justice and society at large, which were unable to protect the underprivileged.
It is an important film not only for its historical and cultural relevance, but also for its great ability to deal with complex issues in an innovative and effective way.
The Big Sleep (1946)
It is a 1946 crime movie, directed by Howard Hawks and based on the novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler. The film stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who were one of the most famous couples in Hollywood at the time.
The plot of the film follows private detective Philip Marlowe (played by Bogart) as he tries to solve a tangled murder case involving a wealthy and influential Los Angeles family. During his investigation, Marlowe meets the daughter of the family, Vivian Rutledge (played by Bacall), with whom he develops a mutual attraction.
The plot of the film is characterized by a series of twists, intrigues and deceptions, which make it difficult for Marlowe (and for the audience) to understand who is the real culprit of the murder and what is the motive. The film is also known for its sharp dialogue and the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall, who previously starred together in 1944’s ‘Double Indemnity’.
The film is considered one of the classics of the noir genre and has influenced many other movies and subsequent works. The film was also the subject of some controversy, as the plot was so complicated that it was difficult for some viewers to follow. In addition, director Hawks made some changes to the original script to suit the needs of his actors and audiences, which led to some inconsistencies in the plot. Despite this, the film is still highly regarded for its dark and intriguing atmosphere, direction and the performances of Bogart and Bacall.
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
It is a 1946 noir film directed by Tay Garnett and starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. The film is based on James M. Cain’s novel of the same name and is considered one of the best film noirs ever made.
The plot revolves around Frank Chambers (John Garfield), a drifter who arrives in a small Californian town and gets a job at a gas station run by Nick Smith (Cecil Kellaway) and his attractive young wife, Cora (Lana Turner). Frank and Cora start an affair and decide to kill Nick so they can live together and run the gas station. After the first failed attempt, the two lovers manage to kill Nick and pass it off as an accident. But when the police start to suspect them, the situation becomes more and more dangerous and desperate.
The film is known for its strong eroticism and brutality, which have made it a classic of the noir genre. Furthermore, The Postman Always Rings Twice was one of the first movies to explicitly address the theme of marital infidelity and sexual violence.
The film was a great success with audiences and critics, so much so that it was nominated for four Academy Awards, but without winning any. A remake was made in 1981, directed by Bob Rafelson and starring Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange.
The Woman in White (1944)
It is a 1948 film directed by Peter Godfrey and based on the Wilkie Collins novel of the same name. The film is a mystery with a romantic background that revolves around a mysterious woman dressed in white, Anne Catherick, who seems to have a link to the past of a man, Walter Hartright.
The plot of the film follows Hartright, an art teacher, who is hired to teach two sisters in an English country house. Along the way, Hartright meets Anne Catherick, a young woman in white who seems to be on the run from something or someone. Hartright is fascinated by the girl and tries to help her. However, after their meeting, Hartright learns of a mysterious conspiracy involving the family of the two sisters, whose mother seems to be the mastermind of a deception.
The film is known for its top-notch performances, especially that of the female lead, played by Alexis Smith. The cast also includes Eleanor Parker, Gig Young and Sydney Greenstreet. The production design and cinematography of the film are outstanding, creating a dark and mysterious atmosphere that is in perfect style with the plot of the film.
The Third Man (1949)
It is a 1949 film noir directed by Carol Reed and scripted by Graham Greene. Set in Vienna just after the end of World War II, the film follows the arrival of a young American writer named Holly Martins (played by Joseph Cotten) in the war-torn city in search of his childhood friend Harry Lime ( played by Orson Welles).
Martins soon learns that Lime is dead, hit by a car, but when he meets the doctor who examined Lime’s body, he begins to suspect that his friend’s death was not accidental. Through a series of intrigues and twists and turns, Martins embarks on an investigation to uncover the truth behind Lime’s death, and discovers that his friend was involved in a trafficking of adulterated penicillin, a crime which claimed the lives of many people.
It is considered one of the best movies ever, both for the impeccable direction of Carol Reed, and for the sharp screenplay by Graham Greene. The film is famous for its soundtrack by Anton Karas, which features an unmistakable musical theme played on a Viennese cither, and was also highly influential for its visual style, with black and white photography capturing the gloomy atmosphere claustrophobic atmosphere of post-war Vienna.
The film was critically acclaimed and won the Academy Award for Best Black-and-White Cinematography in 1951. It was also named to the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest Films of All Time list, and remains a cinematic masterpiece. noir and a must for lovers of the genre.
Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
It is a 1957 crime movie directed by Billy Wilder and based on the play of the same name by Agatha Christie.
The film tells the story of a lawyer, Sir Wilfrid Robarts (played by Charles Laughton), who is assigned to defend a man, Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), who is accused of murdering a wealthy widow. The situation is complicated when Vole’s wife Romaine (Marlene Dietrich) becomes the main witness against the accused.
The film is known for its intricate and twisty plot, and the performances of the main actors, which have received numerous awards. Notably, Charles Laughton won the BAFTA for Best Actor, while Marlene Dietrich was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
The film achieved great critical and commercial success, becoming one of the classics of the judicial thriller genre. Furthermore, it has influenced many other movies and TV series of the genre, becoming a real milestone in the history of cinema.
Dial M for Murder (1954)
It is a 1954 crime movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the play of the same name by Frederick Knott.
The plot of the film follows the story of Tony Wendice, played by Ray Milland, a former tennis champion who marries Margot, played by Grace Kelly, a very rich woman. When Tony discovers that Margot has been having an affair with another man, he decides to plan his revenge. He hires a former accomplice from the crime world to kill his wife, but things don’t go as planned.
From here a complex plot of deception and deception unfolds, in which Tony tries to frame Margot for the murder of the assassin he himself had hired.
The film is known for its excellent screenplay and direction by Hitchcock who is able to build tension and keep the viewer on edge until the end of the film. Also, the performances of the actors are remarkable, especially that of Grace Kelly.
The film is considered one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces and one of the best film noirs of all time. It was also one of the first movies to be shot in 3D, but most of the showings in theaters were in 2D. The film received many positive reviews and was a great success with critics and audiences.
Blood and Black Lace (1964)
It is a 1964 Italian thriller movie, directed by Mario Bava. The plot revolves around a series of murders that take place in a prestigious fashion house in Rome. The victims are all women, and the killer appears to be a member of the fashion house’s staff.
The film is known for its eerie atmosphere and inventive use of color, with many scenes taking place in red-heavy environments. Furthermore, the director Mario Bava is famous for his mastery in the use of special effects and visual tricks, which help to create a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere.
The cast includes Eva Bartok, Cameron Mitchell and Mary Arden, and the soundtrack was composed by Carlo Rustichelli. The film is considered one of the best Italian thrillers of the 1960s, and has been praised for its elegant direction and the claustrophobic and frightening atmosphere it manages to create.
In the Heat of the Night (1967)
It is a 1967 crime movie directed by Norman Jewison, starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger. The film is based on the novel of the same name by John Ball and is set in a small Mississippi town during the civil rights struggle in the 1960s.
The plot follows Virgil Tibbs (played by Sidney Poitier), a black detective with the Philadelphia Police Department, who accidentally becomes involved in a homicide on a train ride across the South. The town’s police chief, Bill Gillespie (played by by Rod Steiger), initially suspicious of Tibbs due to his skin color, but is eventually forced to work with him to solve the case.
The film is known for its strong anti-racist message and for the performance of Poitier, who became the first African-American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film also won four other Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Jewison and Best Supporting Actor for Steiger.
The film is considered a classic of American cinema and has been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry of the United States Library of Congress due to its cultural, historical and aesthetic significance.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
It is a 1968 crime movie directed by Norman Jewison and starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. The plot follows Thomas Crown, a wealthy and handsome businessman who plans to rob a Boston bank for the sheer pleasure of it, but falls in love with his investigator, Vicki Anderson.
The film is known for its soundtrack, composed by Michel Legrand, and its innovative cinematography, which used techniques such as superimposition to create a surreal atmosphere.
The film received positive reviews upon its release and earned several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song (“The Windmills of Your Mind”). In 1999, a remake of the film was made, directed by John McTiernan and starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo.
Bullitt (1968)
“Bullitt” is a 1968 American crime movie directed by Peter Yates and starring Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset and Robert Vaughn. The film follows San Francisco Police Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, who is assigned to protect a key witness in an organized crime case, but things get complicated when the witness is murdered and Bullitt finds himself investigating the case.
One of the film’s most famous moments is the famous car chase scene, which has been hailed as one of the greatest action scenes in cinematic history. The sequence sees Bullitt driving his Ford Mustang GT as he chases a Dodge Charger through the streets of San Francisco, in a high-speed race that lasts for about ten minutes.
The film was critically acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of the police and organized crime. Steve McQueen earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Lieutenant Bullitt, while director Peter Yates received a Best Director nomination.
“Bullitt” is considered a classic of the crime genre and one of the most influential movies of the 60s. It inspired numerous other movies and television shows, and the Ford Mustang GT used in the chase scene has become a movie icon.
Serpico (1973)
“Serpico” is a 1973 crime movie directed by Sidney Lumet and based on the book “Serpico” by Peter Maas. The film tells the true story of New York City cop Frank Serpico, played by actor Al Pacino, who has been battling corruption within the police department.
The plot follows Serpico’s life from the beginning of his career in the New York City police force to his decision to expose his corrupt colleagues. Most of the film focuses on Serpico’s struggles with trying to get the truth out, while his superiors try to cover up the existing corruption within the police.
The film garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Al Pacino. The film was also a huge box office hit, earning over $29 million upon its release.
“Serpico” was an important film of its time, as it exposed the problem of corruption in the New York City police and led to reforms within the police department. The film is still considered a classic of American cinema and one of Al Pacino’s best performances
The French Connection (1971)
It is a 1971 American crime movie directed by William Friedkin e basato sul libro del 1969 “The French Connection: A True Account of Cops, Narcotics, and International Conspiracy” di Robin Moore.
The film tells the story of New York narcotics agent Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle (played by Gene Hackman) and his partner Buddy “Cloudy” Russo (played by Roy Scheider) as they try to take down a large drug trafficking operation which starts from France and arrives in New York.
The plot develops in a very realistic way, showing the investigations and strategies used by the police to try to catch the traffickers. The film was highly praised for the intensity of the action scenes, especially the famous scene where Doyle chases an elevated train in New York in a car.
The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Gene Hackman. The film also inspired a television series of the same name in 2010.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
It’s a thriller movie of 1974 directed by Joseph Sargent and based on the novel of the same name by Morton Freedgood, written under the pseudonym John Godey.
The film follows the events that take place after a New York City subway train, known as Pelham One Two Three, is hijacked by a group of masked criminals. The kidnappers demand a million dollar ransom in exchange for the lives of the passengers on board the train. The film focuses on the negotiations between the hostage takers and the authorities, led by the city’s deputy mayor, and the tension between the hostage takers and the train passengers.
The film is known for its strong performances, particularly those of Walter Matthau, who plays Lieutenant Garber of the NYPD, and Robert Shaw, who plays train hijacker, Bernard Ryder. The plot is intense and well developed, with a fast pace and many tensions, and the score by David Shire contributes to the eerie and claustrophobic atmosphere.
The film was a major commercial success and received positive reviews from critics, who praised its writing, direction and performances. The film has become a classic of the action cinema and inspired a remake in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta in the lead roles.
Chinatown (1974)
“Chinatown” is a 1974 crime movie directed by Roman Polanski with Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway e John Huston.
The plot of the film follows the story of private detective J.J. “Jake” Gittes (played by Nicholson) who is hired by a woman named Evelyn Mulwray (played by Dunaway) to investigate the alleged infidelity of her husband, a plumbing engineer from Los Angeles. But when her husband is found dead, Gittes discovers that there are many more hidden secrets behind this case.
The film is set in the 1930s and details the problems of corruption and power that plagued Los Angeles at the time, especially the water and civil engineering system that shaped the area.
The film’s title, “Chinatown”, refers to a neighborhood in Los Angeles that has a strong Chinese presence and becomes an important part of the film’s plot. The film has an intricate and sophisticated storyline revolving around themes such as corruption, greed, power and justice.
The film was critically acclaimed and garnered eleven Academy Award nominations, winning one for Best Original Screenplay. The film became a film noir classic and influenced many subsequent movies and directors.
The Untouchables (1987)
It’s a gangster movie of 1987 directed by Brian DePalma and starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro and Andy Garcia. The film tells the story of famous federal agent Eliot Ness (played by Costner) and his team of “untouchable” agents who try to stop notorious gangster Al Capone (played by De Niro) during the Prohibition era.
The film was well received by critics and audiences and is regarded as one of the best gangster movies of all time. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Sean Connery, who won the award for his portrayal of veteran cop Jim Malone, mentor to Ness.
It is a very well made film, with a great soundtrack by Ennio Morricone and outstanding cinematography. The crossroads scene, in which Costner’s character tries to save a little girl in the midst of a firefight, is considered one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history.
Heat (1995)
It is a 1995 crime movie directed by Michael man, which tells the story of two men, a master burglar and an LAPD detective, who engage in a game of cat and mouse during a series of daring and dangerous thefts.
The film boasts an all-star cast, including Robert De Niro as master thief Neil McCauley, Al Pacino as detective Vincent Hanna, and Val Kilmer as McCauley’s friend and accomplice. The rest of the cast also includes Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Jon Voight and Natalie Portman.
The film is known for its spectacular action shots, especially the famous car chase scene in Los Angeles. However, the film also focuses on the characters and their motivations, offering an intense and profound insight into their lives and internal conflicts.
The film received great acclaim from critics and audiences, owing to its solid direction, well-written screenplay, and outstanding performances from the cast. It has become a classic of action cinema and a point of reference for many other movies of the genre.
Primal Fear (1996)
It is a 1996 crime movie directed by Gregory Hoblit and starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney and Edward Norton, which received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The plot of the film revolves around a successful lawyer, Martin Vail (played by Richard Gere), who is assigned to defend Aaron Stampler (played by Edward Norton), a young cleric accused of the murder of the Archbishop of Chicago. During the trial, Vail learns that Stampler has dissociative identity disorder, in which his abusive alter-ego, “Roy”, committed the murder while Aaron was unaware of it all.
The film is notable for the performance of Edward Norton, who won several awards for his portrayal of Aaron/Stampler. His character is complex and dark, and Norton was able to perfectly convey his vulnerability and evil through his performance. Richard Gere and Laura Linney, who plays the D.A.’s assistant, also deliver strong performances.
The film is a legal thriller that focuses on the psychology of the characters, the manipulation and corruption of the justice system, and the conflict between justice and truth. The film’s ending offers an unexpected surprise, which has contributed to its popularity and success.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
L.A. Confidential is a 1997 crime movie directed by Curtis Hanson and based on the James Ellroy novel of the same name. The film is a crime thriller set in 1950s Los Angeles and follows the story of three Los Angeles police detectives, played by Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, who investigate a series of murders and corruptions within of the police department.
The film is known for its intricate storyline and refined visual style, which mixes classic noir with elements of explicit violence and sex scenes. The cast is outstanding, with actors such as Kim Basinger, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of prostitute Lynn Bracken, and Danny DeVito, who plays scandal columnist Sid Hudgens.
THERE. Confidential was a huge hit with critics and audiences, and was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning two, one for Best Adapted Screenplay and one for Best Supporting Actress (Kim Basinger). The film also served as a launching pad for many of its stars, including Russell Crowe, who landed his first major role in a Hollywood film, and Guy Pearce, who made his big screen debut. It is regarded as one of the best crime thrillers of the 90s.
Seven (1995)
“Seven” is a 1995 psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The film follows two detectives, David Mills (Pitt) and William Somerset (Freeman), who investigate a series of ritualistic murders following the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, avarice, envy, wrath, pride and sloth. The two detectives try to prevent the next murder, while trying to understand the motive behind this series of crimes.
The film is known for its dark atmosphere and intricate storyline, with many strong and violent scenes. It received very positive reviews from critics and was very successful at the box office. Kevin Spacey’s performance as serial killer John Doe was highly praised, and he won several awards for his role.
Overall, ‘Seven’ is a film that highlights the dark nature of humanity and its propensity to commit acts of violence and cruelty. The film’s ending is known to be one of the most surprising and disturbing in the history of cinema.
Insomnia (2002)
Insomnia is a 2002 crime movie directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank.
The film follows LAPD investigator Will Dormer (played by Pacino), who is sent along with his colleague Hap (Martin Donovan) to an Alaskan town to help the local police solve the murder of a teenage girl.
Dormer begins having trouble sleeping due to the constant hours of sunlight in the Arctic, which complicates his investigation. While searching, Dormer comes across the killer (played by Williams), but during the arrest he accidentally kills his colleague Hap, who was trying to frame him for a corruption case.
Dormer tries to hide the truth from Inspector Ellie Burr (Swank), who has been assigned to the case to assist him, but finds himself constantly hunted by the psychopathic killer who wants to avenge the girl’s death. Meanwhile, Dormer also faces guilt over the death of his colleague, his growing insomnia, and pressure from Inspector Burr to solve the case.
Insomnia is a psychological thriller that explores themes of guilt, justice and truth. The film was critically acclaimed for its impeccable direction, the performances of its lead actors and its intense ending.
Knives Out (2019)
It is a 2019 crime movie written and directed by Rian Johnson. It is a comedic thriller that follows the story of a wealthy family as they investigate the death of their patriarch, famed novelist Harlan Thrombey (played by Christopher Plummer).
The plot develops around the figure of private investigator Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig), who is hired by the family to discover the truth about Harlan’s death. The family is made up of a group of eccentric and dysfunctional characters, including eldest daughter Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis), son Walt (Michael Shannon) and daughter-in-law Joni (Toni Collette), who vie for the deceased’s inheritance.
As Blanc interrogates family members and other suspects, secrets and lies emerge that make solving the case ever more complicated. In the midst of all this, a young nurse named Marta (Ana de Armas), who was caring for Harlan, seems to be the only person genuinely grieving at his death.
The film received very positive reviews from critics, who praised the intelligent screenplay and Craig’s performance. The film was also a commercial success, grossing more than $300 million worldwide.
