Death Note

In the American adaptation of the popular Japanese manga and anime series, Death Note follows high school student Light Turner who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Embracing his newfound abilities, Light decides to rid the world of criminals, leading to a cat-and-mouse game with the enigmatic detective known only as L. As Light's actions escalate, so too does the attention of law enforcement and the public, throwing the city into chaos and questioning the morality of his actions. With unexpected twists and moral dilemmas, Death Note delves into themes of power, justice, and the consequences of playing god.

Death Note, directed by Adam Wingard, received mixed reviews from critics and audiences upon its release. While some praised the film for its stylish visuals and dark tone, others criticized its departure from the source material and the lack of character development. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 36% rating, with critics' consensus stating that 'Death Note forsakes the source material's keen edge, settling for empty spectacle over satisfying storytelling.' On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 4.5/10, reflecting the divisive nature of audience opinions. Metacritic scored it at 43/100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Some critics lauded the performances of Nat Wolff as Light Turner and Lakeith Stanfield as L, while others found the pacing uneven and the plot lacking depth.