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My favorite genre, as I have said on several occasions, is the psychological thriller, and if it has a police subgenre, then it is my destiny. But sometimes I feel a little frustrated not to find good productions of it, it is not necessary to catch me instantly -as it happens to me with other genres-, since this usually needs time to raise the dilemma and deepen their characters, but compared to the variety and consistency of deliveries in dramas or comedy, thrillers could be at its lowest point. I feel that between 2005 and 2015 there was a diversity of thrillers released in movies, anime and series that really made a mark on viewers. Now it is really more complicated to find an interesting one.
However, I always browse through the streaming platforms looking for what to give a chance. It's been several years since I fell into Korean content, and lately I've been picky about getting a series that encompasses all my tastes, since the last good thriller productions I've seen, 70% have been Korean. And they are undoubtedly an incredible madness, they should be valued more in the awards, but it is unfortunate that only American productions are the main ones, when most of them are a waste of time; not to mention that they are cancelled without closure.
In my search I came across a recommendation that had not come up before, I really hesitated to take a look at it because one of its main genres is fantasy, but thank goodness I decided not to judge it completely just by its general presentation. Of course, I specifically hit on its second season, since that was what Netflix added in its catalog, so I had to go to my much-loved k-dramas pages to watch from its beginnings, and its first episode left me quite intrigued. Just what I needed, if you ask me.
I'm talking about Missing: The Other Side.
This k-drama combines elements of mystery, thriller, fantasy, and my much-loved police realm, its preamble chapter sets an intriguing and emotional tone. I wanted to bring you a short review of the first chapter because it seems like a series I'm going to have to evaluate with tweezers. It seems that the plot revolves around a town where the souls of dead people reside, but it seems specifically those who have disappeared, which gives it a mysterious touch that tugs at the heartstrings.
In the first instance we are introduced to the main characters, who are varied and a bit rough around the edges. The main one, a con man with a flamboyant personality and a verbosity full of charisma, we are also introduced to a reluctant and rough detective but very dedicated to his service. In addition, we get to see a government worker and a businessman who have alliances with the con man to act as Robin Hood's for their acquaintances or those who seek their services, quite an interesting team. Additionally, in its first chapter we also see a detective from the missing persons unit quite immersed in his work, and an adult who, although he has great screen presence, nothing is said about him yet, however, he seems to be the union of the world of the living with that town that comes to us in the middle of the chapter, which seems to be full of dead people.
At the beginning the narrative develops too fast, showing many things happening at the same time, which I consider a total script failure, but in the middle of the chapter things take a little more calm, alternating between the real world and the town of lost souls. This duality adds a certain fascination to the story and I think they're going to allow themes of loss, hope and longing for resolution to be exposed. The moment we focus on what is going on around the protagonist, everything becomes more interesting, as he seems to have the power to see the dead and we are discovering it along with him.
The chapter barely opens the doors to his reality raises intriguing questions about life and death, as well as the nature of disappearance and mourning. It made me reflect in several scenes on the hopelessness of having a missing family member and not being able to do anything, also the emotional burden that those who are in charge of such cases must sustain. And my most significant question is where are those who no longer have anyone to look for them or remember them?
The cinematography is a bit simple, it gives a 2010's production vibe, maybe it's the idea to have opaque tones and vintage shots, but it doesn't really fit well with certain elements of a more advanced society that suddenly is seen in small detail shots, I don't know, from the glimpse I had of its second season, the whole production improves a lot; I firmly believe that the setting tones of the past decade are the most interesting for thrillers but here it seems experimental, it will probably improve with the next chapters.
Actually, Missing: The Other Side left a good taste in my mouth overall, it has a fast-paced but captivating introduction. I think the narrative will get more solid and keep my interest on the edge of my seat as the secrets of the town and the stories of its inhabitants are unveiled. I hope to bring more content about it soon, the series has two seasons, the first of 12 episodes you can get it on PrimeVideo and the second of 14, on Netflix, both are on Pandrama and Doramasflix.
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