Have you ever wondered how technology could unravel the most complex mysteries? Imagine the power of a reverse search email address or tech-driven insights turning the tide in a crime investigation. Movies and series have tapped into this tech revolution, showcasing how gadgets and algorithms can transform crime-solving. From pre-crime predictions to hacking into the unknown, these stories captivate us with their blend of suspense and innovation. Join us as we explore five gripping films and series where tech doesn’t just help solve the case—it defines the narrative. Ready to dive into a world where tech and detective work unite? Let’s go!
Minority Report
Steven Spielberg
Imagine a world where crime is stopped before it happens. That is the premise of Minority Report, where Steven Spielberg and screenwriters Scott Frank and Jon Cohen show us a future – 2054, to be exact – where the police has a Pre-crime unit in place that can do just that: track future murderers, and prevent those crimes from taking place. Though this Pre-crime unit is mostly made of people with special psychic abilities, its futuristic setting makes sure that there’s a great deal of technology in place too.
Based on a highly successful sci-fi story from Philip K. Dick, this action sci-fi classic mainly recolves around the unit’s head of department, Chief John Anderton (Tom Cruise), who faces an interesting dilemma. One day, the system shows his name as a future assassin, predicting that he will murder someone that he’s never even met in his life.
Telling the story of a man who must prove his innocence despite entire society working against him, Minority Report is mainly known for its tense action scenes, futuristic setting, and intriguing premise. But at the center of this tale is a compelling question: is our future pre-determined, or does free will play a role in it too? And, if the latter is true, what are the dangers of having a system that takes eradicating crime to the extreme? The film’s visual storytelling and intense performances make it a must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast, and the themes at its core will make it a memorable one for everyone else too.
Person of Interest
Jonathan Nolan
If the premise of Minority Report sounds familiar, it’s probably because it’s at the center of many more movies and shows, since it makes for such compelling storytelling. One of these shows is the beloved Person of Interest (2011–2016), which had everyone’s eyes glued to their TVs when it first aired on CBS, and continued to do so throughout its 5 seasons. The series begins when a wealthy software genius named Harold Finch (Michael Emerson), who has created a machine that can predict crimes before they happen, joins forces with presumed-dead former CIA agent John Reese (Jim Caviezel). Together, they each use their skills to stop criminals before they commit violent crimes. But what about crimes deemed “irrelevant”?
There’s a shift in tone that makes some seasons of Person of Interest more gripping than others, but, as a whole, this is a show you don’t want to miss. On top of our dynamic duo, which soon becomes a team of vigilantes when former Army Intelligence Support Activity operative Sameen Shaw (Sarah Shahi) joins Harold and John, are a cast of talented actors, led by Taraji P. Henson as NYPD Detective Jocelyn ‘Joss’ Carter and Kevin Chapman as Detective Lionel Fusco. Story-wise, the series is not just about the action, but it’s also a deep dive into privacy issues, AI ethics, and the balance of power.
Black Mirror: “Hated in the Nation”
James Hawes
What if your online words could lead to deadly consequences? “Hated in the Nation” is the sixth and final episode of season 3 of popular Netflix show Black Mirror, which is currently at Season 6 with a seventh underway. In usual Black Mirror fashion, “Hated in the Nation” made a lot of people talk when it was first released, mainly because it’s one of those haunting episodes that will make you think about it, and its complex ending, for weeks and even months after you’ve seen it.
Set in a near-future London, the story begins with the death of journalist Jo Powers (Elizabeth Berrington), who would seem to have been targeted by social media users. This is followed by even more deaths that all seem to be connected to one another. And so, we follow Detective Karin Parke (Kelly Macdonald) and her tech-savvy partner, Blue Coulson (Faye Marsay), as they investigate these mysterious deaths linked to social media hate campaigns. It’s best to leave it at that and let you discover the episode on your own, but what you’ll find, in the end, is a story about the dangers of online hate and the potential for technology to be misused, raising questions about accountability and privacy.
Sherlock: “The Blind Banker”
Euros Lyn
In “The Blind Banker,” Season 1 Episode 2 of incredibly popular BBC series Sherlock, Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) face yet another complex case filled with mystery and danger. This episode of Sherlock takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the streets of London, where seemingly random symbols become the key to solving a deadly puzzle. “The Blind Banker” is a fascinating episode because it touches upon many themes and even plunges us into the art world, where hidden truths lie beneath the surface, guarded fiercely. Sherlock and Watson are at their finest as they work through intricate clues and unexpected turns and go beyond crime-solving by looking at hidden meanings. And yes, technology plays a role in it too, but it’s best if you discover this part on your own.
Mr. Robot
Sam Esmail
Mr. Robot is a gripping techno-thriller series exploring the world of hacking and corporate corruption. We follow a young man named Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), who’s a cybersecurity engineer by day and a vigilante hacker by night. One day, he’s recruited by the titular Mr. Robot (Christian Slater), the enigmatic leader of an underground hacker group who aim to destroy multinational companies. Elliot’s mission? Taking down the company he is paid to protect: a massive conglomerate that he despises, but that he also doesn’t know if it deserves to be truly taken down.
Elliot’s internal struggle is what makes Mr. Robot so compelling, adding depth to the narrative. Though it’s best not to tell you too much about them, each character brings unique motivations and conflicts that make it an even more gripping watch. Moreover, the series, which earned Malek multiple awards including a Golden Globe, portrays hacking with technical accuracy.
Technology plays a pivotal role in unraveling mysteries across these captivating stories. From deciphering cryptic symbols in Sherlock to hacking corporate giants in Mr. Robot, these narratives entertain while sparking curiosity about technology’s impact on society. They challenge us to think about the real-world implications and ethical dilemmas technology presents in solving crimes. Happy watching!
