Film noir, a term coined by critic Nino Frank in 1946, continues to influence cinema today, with recent films like the Chinese procedural 'Only the River Flows' showcasing its enduring appeal. Characterized by violence, pessimism, and stylistic elements from European silent cinema, film noir has evolved to include tropes like the femme fatale and antihero. In literature, Lisa Wingate's 'Shelterwood' unfolds a dual narrative exploring Oklahoma's dark history through the eyes of a young girl in 1909 and a law enforcement ranger in 1990. Meanwhile, Rachel Kushner’s 'Creation Lake' features Sadie, an American spy infiltrating a French commune, where she uncovers deeper truths about Neanderthal culture and contemporary eco-terrorism. Additionally, the classic film 'The Sixth Sense' solidified M. Night Shyamalan's reputation as a master of horror with its twist ending and strong performances. These works collectively reflect the complexity of human experience and the layers of storytelling across genres.