This film noir centerpiece is a fascinating address of human psyche and the question of morality in the face of an imperfect justice system. It has all the hallmarks of the noir genre, including a male lead that wanders just beyond the line of morality and a will-they-won’t-they femme fatale. It’s equal parts crime drama, tawdry mess, and frank morality play. This movie shines in its clever plot by letting the audience in on the characters’ dualities to ratchet up the tension, paying off initial setups like gangbusters. If you’re a fan of film noir, this is a must-watch.

Closest comparison: It’s like It’s A Wonderful Life by way of Little Caesar (1939).

Setting: Noir
Plot: Cover-up
Tone: Thriller