Devils, the action-packed thriller directed by Kim Jae-Hoon, breathes new life into the body swap genre with a gripping and inventive narrative. Unlike your typical Freaky Friday scenario, this film bears a resemblance to Face/Off as it takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and excitement.
The story revolves around homicide detective Choi Jae-hwan (Oh Dae-hwan), who is relentlessly pursuing the elusive serial killer, Jin-hyeok (Jang Dong-yoon). The stakes are personal for Jae-hwan, who seeks justice for his brother-in-law, a fellow cop, murdered by the same killer. During a dramatic confrontation, the two adversaries tumble down a hillside, vanishing from sight. After a month, they reappear, but something is amiss. Jae-hwan appears disoriented and requires medical attention, while Jin-hyeok is captured and placed under guard. However, as events unfold, Jin-hyeok makes a startling claim - he is actually Jae-hwan, trapped in the killer's body.
Initially skeptical, young officer Kim Min-seong (Jang Jae-ho) finds himself drawn into this baffling situation when he realizes that the man in Jin-hyeok's body knows things only Jae-hwan could know. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and moved by Jin-hyeok's plea to protect his wife and daughter, Min-seong decides to assist him. But things take a dark turn when Jin-hyeok is blackmailed into cooperating with his opponent to save his family. The tension escalates as they face off against Jin-hyeok's dangerous associates, leading to a series of adrenaline-pumping confrontations.
The film's pacing is relentless, combining fast-paced detective work with thrilling action sequences. Both lead actors, Jang Dong-yoon and Oh Dae-hwan, deliver commendable performances that add depth to their characters. Jang Dong-yoon's portrayal of the aggressive and charismatic Jin-hyeok is a stark departure from his recent work, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
One of the film's highlights is its visually striking set pieces. Kim Jae-Hoon impresses right from the start with a dreamlike sequence featuring fluorescent body paint that obscures identities and motion, setting the stage for the film's enigmatic nature.
Devils' only drawback lies in its occasional convolutions, which may require extra attention from viewers to avoid confusion. Additionally, some may feel that the film could benefit from minor editing adjustments, but this is a common trait in South Korean thrillers, known for their intricate storytelling.
In conclusion, Devils is a standout film from the 2023 Fantasia International Film Festival lineup, offering a captivating and mind-bending experience. With its potential to resonate with international audiences, one can only hope for wider distribution, allowing more viewers to relish the suspense and spectacle it deserves on the big screen.
Devils (2023) - info
- Release date: 29 April 2023
- Genre: Thriller, Crime
- Director: Kim Jae-Hoon
- Writer: Kim Jae-Hoon
- Stars: Gwi-hwa Choi, Dong-Yoon Jang, Jae-ho Jang