hard-boiled

"Hard-boiled" describes a style of detective fiction or film characterized by a gritty, realistic tone, often featuring tough, morally complex characters who operate in a corrupt or dangerous world. These stories tend to emphasize physical action, emotional toughness, and a sometimes cynical view of human nature. The term also applies to a type of cooking where eggs are boiled until the yolk and whites are firm. However, in literature and film, "hard-boiled" primarily refers to a genre that explores themes of crime, morality, and survival with a raw and unvarnished perspective.