Noir is a genre of film and literature that is characterized by its dark, brooding atmosphere and its focus on crime and moral ambiguity. Noir films often feature a morally ambiguous protagonist, a femme fatale, and a corrupt world in which justice is elusive. Noir stories often explore themes of alienation, existentialism, and moral decay. Noir films often feature a visual style that is highly stylized, with low-key lighting, deep shadows, and stark contrasts between light and dark. Noir films often feature a cynical, fatalistic outlook, and often end with a sense of despair and hopelessness.