The Allure of Neo Noir – move over bad guys, the bad-ass ladies are here!
Did someone say juicy plots, moral ambiguity, and complex characters?
I’m in!
And in the immortal words of Lizzo, It’s About Damn Time!
My long-awaited third novel dips a scarlet-painted toe into the fascinating genre of neo-noir and I’m getting all the feels!
The question of “What is neo-noir?” comes up whenever I name drop the genre so it felt like the right time to enlighten y’all!
There is no conversation about neo-noir with paying homage to classic noir. The latter is a rich cauldron of books and films that typically revolve around crime, although the narratives are not limited to cops and robbers. What the genres do share are morally ambiguous characters and/or themes with an element of darkness to the story.
Neo noir is sub genre that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century and is characterized by a modern take on the classic noir elements. Crime, moral ambiguity and moody atmospheres prevail, but the stories incorporate modern sensibilities and themes.
“Blade Runner” and “Chinatown” are two famous neo-noir films and “LA Confidential” and “Drive” are neo-noir novels that were made into popular films. Unlike a romance novel, neo-noir stories don’t come with a happily ever after baked into them. What you do get is a smorgasbord of fascinating and compelling characters involved in sticky situations that more often than not, involve crime, criminals, or an exploration of good versus evil.
Key features of neo-noir include:
- Contemporary Settings: Neo-noir often takes place in contemporary or more recent periods, in contrast to the mid-20th century settings of classic noir.
- Diverse Themes: Traditional noir frequently deals with post-World War II anxieties and the aftermath of war, neo-noir explores a wider range of themes, including modern societal issues, technology, and globalization.
- Moral Ambiguity: Neo-noir maintains the moral ambiguity and complex characters of classic noir. Protagonists and antagonists may have blurred lines, making it difficult to distinguish between good and evil.
- Urban Landscapes: Neo-noir often features urban settings, but it may include more contemporary aspects of city life— skyscrapers, neon lights, cityscapes etc.
- Genre Blending: Neo-noir frequently blends elements of other genres, such as crime, thriller, science fiction, or even comedy, creating a hybrid style that sets it apart from classic noir.
- Female-Centric Stories: Neo-noir often features strong and complex female protagonists, in contrast to the more traditional male-dominated narratives of classic noir.
- Postmodern Elements: Neo-noir may incorporate postmodern storytelling techniques, nonlinear narratives, and self-awareness, adding layers of complexity to the storytelling.
Do I have my hands full with this genre? Hell yeah! I also added an unconventional component (of course!) along with not one, but two, kick-ass female protagonists. You better hang on because this is another wild ride!
I hope you all enjoy it.
More to come in 2024…
Until then,
ACF
💋
Find my award-winning novel “A Rainbow Like You” HERE
Listen to the original song “A Rainbow Like You” HERE
Find my debut novel, “Completion” HERE
Are you a secret romance fan? Then THIS is the place for you.
