Watch Death Note
- 2017
- 1 hr 41 min
Death Note is a psychological thriller film that tells the story of a high school student named Light Turner (Nat Wolff) who discovers a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Light uses the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and create a utopian society, but his actions attract the attention of a famous detective known only as "L" (Keith Stanfield) who is determined to catch the killer responsible for the string of mysterious deaths.
As Light continues to use the Death Note, his god complex grows and he becomes increasingly reckless, drawing the attention of both L and his own father who is a detective in the police department. Light's actions also draw the attention of Mia Sutton (Margaret Qualley), a fellow student who becomes his ally and partner in his quest for justice.
As the body count rises, L and Light engage in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, each trying to outsmart the other to discover the identity of the person behind the killings. Meanwhile, Light struggles to keep his own identity a secret and to maintain his relationships with his family and friends.
The film is set in Seattle and has a dark and moody tone, with an emphasis on the psychological aspects of the story. The Death Note itself is depicted as a powerful and dangerous tool that brings out the worst in those who possess it, demonstrating the seductive power of violence and the dangers of playing god.
The performances in the movie are strong, with standout performances from Nat Wolff as Light and Keith Stanfield as L. Wolff brings a complexity to the character of Light, capturing his intelligence and ambition as well as his moral ambiguity and growing obsession with power. Stanfield is equally impressive as L, bringing a quirkiness and intensity to the character that is both unsettling and fascinating to watch.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with Margaret Qualley giving a strong performance as Mia, Light's accomplice and love interest. Paul Nakauchi is also memorable as Watari, L's loyal assistant, and Shea Whigham brings depth to the character of Light's father, who struggles to reconcile his love for his son with his duty to the law.
One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its visual style, which is both stylish and atmospheric. Director Adam Wingard makes effective use of lighting and color to create a sense of unease and tension, and the use of CGI for the Death Note itself is well-done, giving the notebook a menacing and otherworldly quality.
Overall, Death Note is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes of power, justice, and the nature of good and evil. While it may deviate from the original manga and anime in certain ways, it still manages to capture the spirit of the source material while also standing on its own as a compelling and engaging thriller.
Death Note is a 2017 anime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes.