Ever since reading The Maltese Falcon in Undergrad, I loved the idea of detective noir. The 1930s novel and its film adaptation with Humphrey Bogart (1941) is often considered the beginning of or at least the solidification of the noir genre.

Noir is a work of aesthetics as many genres are and often includes gangsters, a clever and cynical (often down on their luck) detective, and a femme fatale. It embodies themes of fatalism and moral ambiguity. Film noir also uses shadows and contrast lighting to create its unique appearance and vibe.

The stories appeal to me because I like cynical protagonists who are frustrated with the world and in over their heads but still put in 110%. Those characters inspire me because no matter how dark their story gets, they somehow find the will to press on.

That is not to say that detective noir is not without its flaws. Unfortunately the stories often include rampant sexism and chauvinism. Even modern renditions struggle to move beyond the “traditional” male archetypes and sexy manipulative women who accompany them.

Recently I started reading the Dresden Files, which adds magic to the noir mix. I grew up with the Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter, so the combination is quite fun.

It still struggles with blatant sexism, and there are not many revolutionary storytelling twists, but the writing brings all the pieces together in an effective way that is both nostalgic and surprisingly comforting.

My favorite addition to the genre is the evolution of future noir. Bladerunner 2049, the 2017 sequel to the 80s film, is at the top of my recommended movies.

Not only does it exude noir aesthetics, but it has significantly less chauvinism than its predecessor, some eyecatching technological influences, enough plot twists to keep it fresh, and a fantastic performance from Ryan Gosling.

I think my favorite part of detective noir, outside its protagonists, is its many subgenres, and how it continues to grow and evolve. I love mixing genres, and I am excited to see what new things come out as we approach the 100 year anniversary of its birth.