A noir feature film typically runs 95-110 pages and is defined by dark, cynical narratives driven by morally compromised protagonists, femmes fatales, and a fatalistic worldview. noir features dwell in shadows — literally and thematically.
Voice-over narration is a genre signature — use it to create ironic distance between what the protagonist says and what happens. The visual palette should be written into your script: shadows, rain, neon, smoke. The protagonist is flawed and self-aware about it. The femme fatale (or homme fatal) must be genuinely compelling, not just a plot device. Double-crosses should feel inevitable in retrospect. The ending is rarely happy — noir punishes desire and ambition. Dialogue should be sharp, sardonic, and rhythmic. The city itself is a character.
Act one introduces the protagonist — usually a detective or everyman — in their compromised world, then drops in the case or situation that will destroy them (20-25 pages). Act two is a descent into a web of lies, seduction, and betrayal, with a midpoint where the protagonist realizes they're in too deep (55-60 pages). Act three reveals the full scope of the conspiracy and delivers the protagonist's fate — rarely on their terms (20-25 pages).
Write your protagonist's opening voice-over first. Their cynical worldview sets the entire tone.
Design the visual world in your scene descriptions: shadows, rain, neon, smoke. Noir is an atmosphere before it's a story.
Give your femme fatale or catalyst character genuine complexity — they should be compelling, not just a plot device.
Write the ending first. Noir stories are about inevitability — knowing the destination lets you build the dread on the way there.
Free Screenwriter gives you industry-standard formatting, AI coverage, and structure tools — everything you need to write a noir feature film.
Start Writing — FreeNo credit card. No trial. Free forever.