ORPHAN BLACK: Orphan Black’s homage to both the traditional and contemporary facets of the film noir genre doesn’t stop at the presence of train station junctions and cynical anti-heroines in hats. In addition to trends in story, character, and setting, the series presents a wealth of stylistic cinematic clues that impart an important visual identification with the genre. You simply can’t have film noir without labyrinthine urban settings, chiaroscuro lighting, or the occasional Dutch angle, and Orphan Black has plenty to spare.

ORPHAN BLACK: While Orphan Black's opening sequence may be considered the quintessential establishment of a contemporary take on the film noir and suspense thriller genres, the noir nods don't stop there. In fact, there's plenty to be said for identifying the show's protagonist—the shifty London-blooded street hustler, Sarah Manning—as a film noir inspired heroine.

ORPHAN BLACK: Orphan Black’s title isn’t the only thing that should make you think of film noir. The show presents a clear understanding of the core fundamentals of a genre best visualized by Alfred Hitchcock—the suspense thriller.

In keeping with themes and concepts native to the suspense thriller genre, what Orphan Black creates in its mythology and character development can, in many ways, be considered a contemporary example of serialized film noir, or rather, neo-noir.