10 Must-See Neo-Noir Films of the 21st Century for Noirvember

      We continue our Noirvember celebrations with ten crucial neo-noir films from the 21st century. Once again, we delve into the harsh and fatalistic realm of noir as Noirvember continues. From the classic film noir of the 30s and 40s to the transformative eras of the 1970s, there's always been a noir-infused collection of films since cinema's inception. The 21st century has also seen a wealth of significant neo-noir films, often drawing inspiration from those earlier illustrious periods of the sub-genre. Here are ten vital noir films from the 21st century.

      **Blade Runner 2049**

      Ryan Gosling has plunged into the chilling noir landscape several times, with notable performances in Drive, The Place Beyond the Pines, Only God Forgives, and The Nice Guys. He also features in Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049. Like Ridley Scott’s iconic sci-fi film, this sequel presents a neo-retro future heavily influenced by film noir, and Gosling, dressed in his trench coat and exuding a withdrawn aura, embodies the neo-noir antihero. Although it was predicted to perform poorly at the box office, Blade Runner 2049 defied expectations, proving remarkable in its own right. Gosling's performance is superb, and it may rank among the most visually breathtaking films of the century.

      **Nightcrawler**

      Noir has never shied away from creating disturbed and unsympathetic protagonists. Not every film needs a relatable or likable lead. Jake Gyllenhaal excels as Lou, a ruthlessly ambitious crime scene photographer who lacks morals and empathy, willing to do anything to get ahead. His unsettling performance was unjustly overlooked at the Oscars, while the film beautifully captures the eerie allure of L.A. at night. It’s an undervalued gem, featuring strong performances from Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed.

      **No Country For Old Men**

      The Coen brothers enjoy exploring neo-noir narratives, and they tackled the challenging task of adapting a Cormac McCarthy novel noted for its complexity. Fortunately, the Coens rose to the occasion, delivering No Country for Old Men with such brilliance that it could be considered the finest American film of this century. A Vietnam veteran, Moss (Josh Brolin) stumbles upon a botched drug deal with a bag full of cash, triggering a classic noir cat-and-mouse chase as he is pursued by a calculated and chilling assassin (Javier Bardem). Similar to Blade Runner 2049, this film is enhanced by stunning cinematography from the esteemed Roger Deakins.

      **Layer Cake**

      Step into the layer cake, son. A fantastic ensemble of British actors surrounds leading man Daniel Craig in this film, which significantly convinced MGM that he was the perfect successor to Pierce Brosnan as 007. Matthew Vaughn crafts an intricate network of characters and plot twists that recall the style of his friend Guy Ritchie, yet it doesn’t feel overly derivative of films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. It plays more earnestly and grandly, generally avoiding the caricature often seen in Ritchie’s gangster films, allowing Craig to shine as the anchor, while Michael Gambon delivers a quiet yet menacing presence.

      **Collateral**

      Michael Mann ventured into digital filmmaking with Collateral, seeking to expedite his previously meticulous shooting style associated with film. This film feels raw and immediate, with a sense of spontaneity, yet remains true to Mann's fastidious nature. It’s a thrilling ride as an unsuspecting taxi driver (Jamie Foxx) picks up a hitman (Tom Cruise) and gets embroiled in a series of murders. Cruise's portrayal of a compelling, cold villain is one of his best performances in years, diverging from his usual roles of two-dimensional heroes.

      **Killer Joe**

      The late cinema maestro William Friedkin staged a bit of a comeback with Killer Joe, marking an important film in the (Matthew) McConaughey renaissance. Dark, twisted, and confident as ever, Friedkin proved he still possessed his signature edge, blending dark humor and showcasing McConaughey as the titular killer. At just under two hours, the film feels agile and develops nicely.

      **Memento**

      What a way to make an impression; Christopher Nolan immediately established himself as a top-tier modern director with this complex, reverse-chronological neo-noir thriller featuring Guy Pearce as a grief-stricken husband seeking his wife's murderer, hampered by his inability to form new memories. He continuously reverts to the last thing he remembers: his wife's death. While Nolan sometimes allows his intricate plots to overwhelm audiences, Memento manages to keep everything effortlessly in place, even with the alternate storytelling formats. There are no convenient characters to explain the plot, and our unreliable narrator (Pearce) adds to the intrigue.

      **Mulholland Drive**

      If Nolan occasionally