Film noir, a genre that emerged in the 1940s, remains a beloved staple of cinematic storytelling, captivating audiences with its moody atmospheres, moral ambiguity and intricate plots. Rooted in post-war disillusionment, films like The Maltese Falcon (1941) established noir’s signature style with shadowy visuals, cynical characters and fatalistic narratives. This dark allure continues to resonate today, influencing modern classics such as L.A. Confidential (1997) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017), which blend the traditional elements of noir with contemporary themes.

Part of the enduring appeal comes from its ability to explore the darker side of human nature in such a raw, visually striking way. What I find fascinating is how noir has evolved while maintaining its core identity. Take Sin City (2005), for example, with its stark black-and-white aesthetic and gritty, hyper-stylized world — it pays homage to classic noir while pushing the genre’s visual boundaries in ways that feel modern and fresh. Similarly, Se7en (1995) channels that same bleak, pessimistic view of society that noir films are known for, diving into the depths of human depravity and the corruption lurking beneath the surface.

Both films are perfect examples of how noir’s themes of moral ambiguity and existential dread remain just as compelling today as they were decades ago. The genre’s ability to reflect the darkness of the human condition is what keeps it so relevant and captivating in modern cinema.

This past Saturday, director Teddy Grennan premiered his newest film, Catch a Killer, at the 55th annual Nashville Film Festival. This film noir stars Sam Brooks as Otto, a young law enforcement officer. His aspirations of becoming a detective soon are derailed, and Otto changes gears to become a bioremediation specialist, cleaning up crime scenes after their investigations are finished. It is on this job that his detective skills are combined with his love of horror movies, as he and his pregnant girlfriend, Lex (Tu Morrow), begin piecing together clues to identify the murdered.

It’s a race against time, with the pair fighting to become victims, themselves.

This film feels like a vivid exploration into the collective dreams of horror movie fans.

For years, we’ve immersed ourselves in the terrifying yet fascinating worlds of iconic killers like Ghostface, Hannibal Lecter and Norman Bates. We analyze their methods, study their psychology and understand the twisted logic behind their actions. It’s as if, on some level, we fantasize about what it would be like to apply that innate knowledge — our deep understanding of how these fictional killers operate — to real-world murder investigations. There’s a thrill in imagining ourselves as the ones who could outsmart a serial killer, predict their next move or solve a crime using the same meticulous attention to detail that we’ve seen in countless films.

Catch a Killer taps into that fantasy, blurring the line between cinematic horror and the cold realities of criminal behavior. It speaks to the idea that maybe, just maybe, our obsession with these dark characters could be useful in the real world. As unsettling as it is, there’s a certain allure in the thought that our love for horror and our years of “training” through film might one day give us the tools to face the true monsters that lurk in everyday life.

Catch a Killer instantly transported me back to the best of crime noir films, evoking that same gritty, shadow-drenched atmosphere where every character seems to walk the fine line between right and wrong. Like the classics of the genre, it builds tension through slow-burn suspense, carefully unraveling its plot while immersing us in the psychological torment of the hunter and the hunted. It reminds me of noir’s knack for exploring the complex psychology of its characters.

Catch a Killer isn’t just about solving the crime; it’s about confronting the darkness that lies beneath a person’s polished surface, where secrets, envy and jealousy live. It weaves together mystery and human vulnerability, pulling us into a world where justice is murky, and the truth often comes at a high price. And that price culminates at the end, leaving the audience stunned at what just transpired.

Catch a Killer is a five-out-of-five-star movie, a masterclass in gritty, dark storytelling that delves deep into the chilling psychology of a killer. What makes it truly stand out is not just the exploration of the criminal mind, but how it forces the so-called good guys to confront their own inner demons. As the investigators chases the killer, they are drawn into a psychological abyss that challenges their moral compass and reveals unsettling truths about themselves.

The real tension of the film comes from watching these characters navigate the murky waters of their own psyche, a journey that proves even darker and more disturbing than the killer’s acts. It’s this blend of psychological depth and relentless tension that makes Catch a Killer a truly unforgettable experience.