M is a suspenseful German thriller-drama film from 1931. The film unravels the chilling narrative of a child murderer, Hans Beckert, his terrorization of Berlin, and the consequent manhunt. Directed by Fritz Lang, the movie is renowned for its pioneering cinematic techniques and thought-provoking themes.

Filming of M took place during 1930-1931 under the directorial and production eye of Fritz Lang. Lang’s wife, Thea von Harbou, wrote the script for the film. The movie was groundbreaking in its use of sound, which was fairly new to cinema at the time, and is often cited as laying the groundwork for future film noir cinematography.

• An exceptional performance by Peter Lorre as Hans Beckert, the child murderer, showcases deep tension, paranoia, and guilt which grips the audience throughout the film.
• Ellen Widmann playing the role of Frau Beckmann, brings out the fearful representation of a parent very well in the movie.
• Inge Landgut appears as Elsie Beckmann, the little girl being pursued, stirring innocence and vulnerability.

• Director Fritz Lang's first sound film.
• A sequel of sorts to M was made called M – A City Searches for a Murderer.
• It was banned by the Nazis a couple of years after its release.

M did not win any awards at the time of its release due to the cinematic landscape of the early 1930s. However, its innovativeness and influence have received extensive recognition in the following years.

• "Just you wait, it won't be long. The man in black will soon be here. With his cleaver's blade so true. He'll make mincemeat out of you!"

• The chilling theme is given by Edvard Grieg's “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt, which is whistled by the murderer throughout the film.