What is noir? It’s fiction loaded with amoral, nihilistic creeps on the run from the consequences of their morally bankrupt actions. At its best and most noir-y, it’s pretty hard to take. Here are some examples:
The thing about real noir fiction is, there are no happy endings, nobody gets off the hook, and there is no redemption at the end. Since I am a wimp, I prefer noir-lite, which is the modern version of the old gritty business. When I read about suburban noir and motherhood noir, I practically squeaked with joy. Here, the well-heeled and comfortable endure some awfulness that may or may not end well, but without the sweaty desperation and low-brow horrors of real noir. Perfect for the nihilism-avoidant in all of us:
Giggling from your wit, yet again!