Death Note (2017)

Death Note (2017) – An Intriguing Urban Fantasy Thriller

Introduction

Released in 2017, Death Note is a Hollywood film adaptation of the wildly popular Japanese manga and anime series of the same name. This unique film blends elements of action, thriller, supernatural, and horror genres to bring a dark, cerebral tale to the screen. Directed by Adam Wingard and written by Jeremy Slater, the movie offers a fresh but controversial take on the original story that has captivated fans worldwide for decades.

Plot Summary – What is the Movie About?

The film centers around Light Turner (played by Nat Wolff), a highly intelligent but disenchanted high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called the "Death Note." This supernatural notebook grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it, as long as he visualizes their face. Along with Light, the audience discovers the twisted world of justice and morality, as Light embarks on a mission to cleanse the world of criminals, adopting the moniker "Kira."

As Light's vigilante activities grow, they attract the attention of law enforcement agencies around the globe, and especially the enigmatic detective known only as "L" (played by LaKeith Stanfield). The intense psychological battle between Light and L forms the core intrigue of the movie, as both characters use their intelligence and wit to outsmart the other.

Unlike its source material, the film condenses the story and shifts it to a more contemporary American setting, adding its own twists and a school of thought on justice, power, and corruption.

Main Actors

• Nat Wolff as Light Turner: Wolff brings a youthful intensity and vulnerability to the role of Light, portraying the character’s transformation from a typical high school teen into a ruthless vigilante.
• LaKeith Stanfield as L: Stanfield provides a compelling portrayal of the quirky and brilliant detective who is determined to bring Kira to justice. His nuanced performance adds depth to the cat-and-mouse chase between him and Light.
• Margaret Qualley as Mia Sutton: Mia acts as an influential and complex character in Light's life, serving as both a romantic interest and a catalyst in the story’s moral dilemmas.
• Shea Whigham as Detective James Turner: Portraying Light’s father, Detective Turner serves as a symbol of law enforcement's struggle against the phenomenon of Kira.

Director and Writer

Adam Wingard, known for his work on other horror and thriller films like The Guest and You're Next, directed Death Note. Wingard’s directorial style infuses the film with an eerie atmosphere and intense pacing, making the supernatural elements more palpable and the suspense more gripping.

Jeremy Slater penned the screenplay. His script takes creative liberties compared to the original anime and manga but retains the essence of the moral questions and psychological tension inherent in the story. Slater’s writing focuses on character-driven narrative while integrating action sequences to appeal to a broader audience.

Reception and Critical Notes

Death Note (2017) was met with a mixed response from both critics and longstanding fans of the franchise. Many appreciated the visual style and performances but criticized the film for oversimplifying the complex themes and mythology from the original manga.

The relocation of the story to an American setting and changes to character motivations sparked debate, with some viewers feeling the adaptation lacked the depth and philosophical weight that made the manga an international sensation. Still, many appreciated the suspenseful thriller experience the film provided, and the performances of Nat Wolff and LaKeith Stanfield were particularly praised.

Conclusion

Death Note (2017) is an intriguing attempt to bring a beloved Japanese narrative to a western audience. While it may not wholly satisfy die-hard fans of the original, it succeeds as a standalone supernatural thriller with questions about justice, power, and consequences. The film’s dark tone, combined with psychological mind games between Light and L, keeps the viewer engaged throughout its duration.

If you enjoy thought-provoking movies that combine horror and action with philosophical dilemmas, Death Note might be an interesting watch. For newcomers, it serves as a compelling introduction to one of the most iconic stories in supernatural fiction, though fans of the original manga and anime may prefer to see it as an alternate universe re-imagining.

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates for latest hindi movies. Stay Connected!