Mildred Pierce is a wonderfully engaging film from start to finish, with plenty of mystery and suspense to keep the pace consistent throughout. The film definitely has some elements that can be considered noir, with a lot of low-key lighting and a non-linear plot that perfectly compliments the narrative.

Also, if you’re into American film history, this is a great example of the so-called “woman’s film” of the WWII era, in which films dealt more with women’s issues and characters in order to appeal to female audiences.