The famous saying “What’s in the box?” originates from the 1995 crime thriller film “Se7en” directed by David Fincher. The plot of the movie revolves around two homicide detectives, William Somerset (played by Morgan Freeman) and David Mills (played by Brad Pitt), as they investigate a serial killer completing gruesome murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. The film delves into the darker aspects of human nature and poses profound questions about morality, justice, and the nature of evil.
In the context of the movie “Se7en,” the phrase “What’s in the box?” is a pivotal moment that occurs towards the climax of the film. Throughout the narrative, Somerset and Mills have been tracking down the killer, John Doe (played by Kevin Spacey), who is methodically selecting victims that he believes represent the various sins. The detectives eventually catch Doe, but the audience is aware that he has one final act of brutality planned.
In the climactic scene, Somerset and Mills find themselves in a desolate area where Doe has led them. Doe has informed Somerset that he has accomplished 5 of the 7 sins; gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, and pride, leaving two sins left to complete his twisted masterpiece: envy and wrath. As they wait in the desolation, a box is delivered to the scene. As Somerset approaches the box and begins to uncover what’s inside, he is shocked and frantically yells out “Doe has the upper hand” while the viewers and Mills remain unaware of what is inside. In a shocking twist, it is slowly revealed that Doe was envious of Mill’s admirable relationship with his wife and relatively normal life, and as a result, embodies the deadly sin of envy by murdering Mill’s wife Tracy.
Mills, still unaware of the murder, listen to Doe’s mockery as he slowly reveals his gruesome final act. In denial of this reality, Mill yells out to Somerset and demands to know the contents of the box, thus uttering the iconic line “What’s in the box?” Doe then proceeds to provoke Mills with the hopes of him succumbing to his own wrath. Once it is revealed that Tracy was pregnant, Mills can no longer stave off his rage. The emotional weight of this revelation forces Mills to murder Doe and complete the scheme of the seven sins.
The significance of this question lies in its psychological impact on the characters and the audience. On one level, the question reflects the suspense and mystery that has been building throughout the film. The audience, like Mills, is desperate to know what is contained within the box, driven by a morbid curiosity and the need for closure. This question creates a sense of dread, as the audience is aware that whatever is inside will undoubtedly be horrifying.
However, the question also holds a deeper meaning within the context of the film’s themes. It represents the culmination of Doe’s sadistic plan and the consequences of unchecked sin and moral corruption. Doe has meticulously orchestrated a series of murders, each one designed to punish those he perceives as guilty of a specific sin. By delivering the severed head of Tracy in the box, Doe forces Mills to confront the devastating consequences of wrath and the destructive power of his own unchecked anger.
The phrase “What’s in the box?” is a powerful and evocative line because it encapsulates the film’s exploration of the human condition. It raises existential questions about the nature of evil, the fragility of morality, and the consequences of our actions. It forces the characters and the audience to confront the darkest aspects of humanity, challenging us to reflect on our own capacity for both good and evil.
This iconic moment in cinematic history lives on in the repetitions of the phrase. While the horrors of its revelation in the film remain within repeated inclinations, the adoption of the statement “what’s in the box” often is utilized in rather comedic or non-threatening day-to-day scenarios. However, it functions as a reminder of cinematic influence and of the ways media infiltrates and shapes our daily lives.