M (1931)

»M,« directed by Fritz Lang and released in 1931, is a German thriller that delves into the darkest corners of society, blending suspenseful storytelling with profound sociopolitical commentary. The film follows the hunt for a child murderer, Hans Beckert (played by Peter Lorre), transforming from a crime thriller into a courtroom drama as the criminal underworld seeks to eliminate the threat he poses. Lang's innovative use of narrative structure, exceptional cinematography featuring noir-like shadows and visual motifs, and powerful performances, particularly by Lorre, combine to create an enduring masterpiece that critiques justice and societal responses to crime.