French Noir is a cinematic genre that emerged in France during the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by its dark themes, moral ambiguity, and complex characters. It often features crime, betrayal, and existential dilemmas, reflecting the social and political tensions of post-war France. The visual style of French Noir is marked by high-contrast lighting, shadowy settings, and a sense of urban alienation. Influential films in this genre include Le Samouraï and Les Diaboliques, which showcase the psychological depth and stylistic innovation that define this unique approach to storytelling in cinema.