Death Note

Light Turner, a brilliant but disillusioned high school student, discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Initially seeing it as a way to rid the world of evil, he is drawn into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with the enigmatic detective L, who is determined to unmask him and bring him to justice. As Light's god complex grows, he must grapple with the moral implications of his actions and the supernatural forces at play.

The 2015 American film adaptation of Death Note received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was widely criticized for its deviation from the source material, convoluted plot, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped characters. Despite a promising premise, the film failed to capture the philosophical depth and intricate psychological battles that made the original manga and anime so compelling, ultimately being deemed a disappointing and uninspired adaptation.

• Praised for its visual style and some charismatic performances, but ultimately criticized for its weak narrative and departure from the beloved source material.
• Viewers found the film to be a confusing and often nonsensical adaptation that failed to translate the intricate mind games of the original.
• Many felt the movie simplified complex themes and character motivations, resulting in a shallow and unsatisfying experience.

Google audience: Google users largely expressed disappointment with the film, criticizing its deviation from the original 'Death Note' story and its perceived lack of intelligence. Many found the plot to be convoluted and the characters poorly developed, leading to a generally negative reception.

Director Adam Wingard revealed that he wanted to create a film that felt more like a supernatural horror movie and less like a straightforward thriller, aiming for a distinct tonal shift from the original anime.