Netflix’s 2-Part True Crime Thriller Is The Closest We Have Come To A Film Noir Revival

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Classic film noirs, the movies that really set the style for 1940s and 50s cinema, have a very specific look and feel. The most memorable ones are usually detective stories, but they’re often surprisingly dark and feature intriguing characters with unexpected plot twists. The detectives in these films are typically smart and world-weary, like they’ve experienced a lot of hardship.

Although film noir experienced a brief comeback in the 1990s, it hasn’t remained as popular as genres like superhero and Western stories, which continue to thrive. While the new Spider-Man spin-off, Spider-Noir, could potentially reignite interest in the genre, a detective show from 2017 had a more promising opportunity to do so.

The series Mindhunter is inspired by the true story of John Douglas, a famous FBI profiler who pioneered the practice of interviewing serial killers to understand their motives. His work laid the groundwork for modern criminal psychology and even influenced the novel The Silence of the Lambs. While it could have been just another sensational crime drama, director David Fincher crafted Mindhunter as a neo-noir film.

Mindhunter Is Essentially A Film Noir

Though the 1970s and 80s are often remembered as the peak of serial killer activity, the story of Mindhunter wouldn’t have worked as a classic film noir. Despite this, the show’s characters and storylines strongly resemble those found in traditional noir films. Mindhunter centers on a team of detectives who are pioneering the field of criminal profiling, weaving together investigations of ongoing crimes with interviews of incarcerated killers.

Bill and Holden aren’t necessarily the greatest detectives ever, but they’re ideal for a film noir story. Bill is cynical and unimpressed by most things, and Holden is increasingly on edge. Adding to the tension, Holden’s troubled personal life – especially his complicated and passionate relationship with his girlfriend Debbie – could jeopardize his investigations.

David Fincher, known for directing some of the most acclaimed crime films of the last three decades, brings his distinct visual approach to the series. He frequently uses a muted and stark visual style, and Mindhunter embraces this, particularly in its gripping interview scenes. These scenes are shot with dramatic lighting, high contrast, and a heavy reliance on black and white crime scene photographs, creating a classic noir feel.

While the grim themes fit the film noir style, Mindhunter really feels like a classic noir because of where it’s set. The show uses lots of familiar noir locations – smoky bars, shadowy streets, and rundown houses – as the team tracks down dangerous criminals.

Mindhunter Could Have Sparked A Film Noir Revival

Mindhunter is widely considered one of the greatest neo-noir shows ever made, and its popularity might have even sparked a revival of the classic film noir style. With a 97% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the show’s cancellation due to budget constraints remains a disappointment for its many devoted fans, who are still eager for a potential return.

Had Mindhunter continued, it likely would have increasingly resembled a classic film noir. Plans for a third season included Holden and Bill visiting Hollywood and meeting with film directors, though the purpose of these meetings remains unclear. Given Los Angeles’ reputation as the quintessential noir setting, this move would have essentially transformed the show into a new genre.

Mindhunter’s seasons
Season Episodes Year Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Rating Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating
1 10 2017 96% 95%
2 9 2019 99% 95%

The show’s serial killers, possibly including the Hillside Stranglers, probably would have been found lurking in the grittier parts of Los Angeles. However, many classic film noirs also end badly, and because understanding criminal minds was still new at the time, it seemed inevitable that Holden and Bill would eventually make a serious error in judgment.

The show could also have introduced a classic film noir character: the femme fatale. Since both Bill and Holden were seemingly unattached at the end of season two, it’s likely we’ll see new female characters appear. Given that Mindhunter is a contemporary show despite its retro style, these characters would probably be complex and nuanced, building on and enhancing the traditions of film noir.

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2026-03-29 01:49