Strangers from Hell (2019)

Watched it with my sister and it was one of the best Psychological Thrillers I have seen, in fact maybe the best. It was another piece of evidence of what a versatile actor Lee Dong-Wook is, having seen his performance in many other dramas. Im Si-Wan's performance was top of the line, although this was the first drama of his that I have watched. I do plan to find more of his dramas soon. Of course, kudos to the amazing acting of the rest of the cast. I can definitely watch this many times and not get bored.

We watched the episodes with so much dedication. However, I must admit that I am disappointed with the ending (not going to say what it was). I expected a totally different outcome.

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incredible

Though I was a bit skeptical about watching this drama as I am really not the biggest fan of Horror, this drama is definitely one of the best shows I have ever watched. It's dark, very dark, and it definitely kept me on my toes the entire time as I wasn't really sure what to do. The plot was incredible with a very very very smart plot twist which had me shocked and in utter disbelief. The acting was brilliant and all actors suited their roles very well. I loved the music and most importantly, the camera work. Very good action scenes as well, it was impossible for me to take my eyes off the screen. If you are looking for a creepy drama with a lot of suspense, this is for you. Even when the plot isn't very "busy" you are always alert, waiting to see what happens next. I definitely wasn't disappointed and I can easily recommend it. Definitely worth watching.

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Get Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer

This was quite a gem in psychological thrillers. An aspiring novelist moves to Seoul to begin his writing career but can't afford rent, so he winds up in a run down hostel where most of the residents are especially weird. This sets the stage for the ensuing creepiness that occurs and we slowly see the mind of our ML unravel as he fails to grasp the gruesome happenings around him.

What I loved most about this show is the fine performances by the ensemble cast, especially Lee Dong Wook. He has appeared in many dramas I have watched over the years, but this one best showcases his talent. He was so creepy in an understated way. He made your skin crawl with his wide tooth grins. Kudos to the young man who plays the unfortunate novelist. His metamorphosis from starry-eyed youth to unstable and angry is the most fascinating journey to watch. Also, it was totally unpredictable. Everyone had their roles down pat. The only person I didn't much care for was the girlfriend. She was too dumb and wrapped up in herself to notice what her boyfriend was going through.

There were some plot holes that left me questioning some parts of the story but, for the most part, the writing was virtually air tight. The length was perfect at 10, one hour episodes. You can binge watch it in one day. Loved the soundtrack and will add it to my Spotify. Great choice for those in the mood for gritty.

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Key performances by the main three actors, combined with the great production team of sound and editing makes 'Strangers from Hell' an instant masterpiece for any horror and psychological television fans alike. Plot was so diverse and had layers of thickness to it that I've never seen such a show so well thought out before.
The pacing is also brilliant in each episode - it never drags, and has the right amount of violence scenes and more 'casual' scenes. This show is the first to give me proper goose bumps in a very long time, and some scenes made me so enticed that I truly believed I was in the show at some points!
Horror fans will love this show, also give it a try if you're into thrillers and basic crime dramas! This show is definitely not getting enough attention from what it deserves, watch this now!!

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Predictable but still thrilling twist

This drama had a twist that I was kind of expecting, but overall I had mixed emotions about it. It started out okay; a little creepy but kind of slow and disjointed, and there were characters I cared about and some I didn't. I definitely got a little frustrated, and there's this feeling of impending doom.

There's a twist towards the end which I kind of saw coming, but it was one that I had wanted to see so even though it was predictable, it raised my rating of this drama by quite a lot.

There are some very subtle moral questions that I liked too, and some of my questions are left unanswered but that's okay! Great October watch, finished just in time for Halloween.

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This is what finally made me get the appeal of Lee Dong Wook and I don't know what that says about me as a person. Either way, he made this drama for me. So, I am one of the people who think this drama went a little too slow with the narrative in the beginning. Sometimes, it felt like it was just walking circles while I wished to see more of the main character's interactions with Dong Wook's character.
I feel like this drama could have gone for *more*. Not on gore or violence, but they could have had even more fun with the concept (which is already very fun).
The acting was overall great from everyone, the production design was also very well done.
One thing I couldn't get behind was the main character's girlfriend, but those may have been cultural differences from my part. I just don't understand how any loving person would let their partner live in a place like that lol.
The drama was fun, especially by the end. In a perfect world it would have been as overtly homoerotic as Hannibal, but we can't have it all.

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Hell is empty and all the devils are here

This disturbing series is loaded with mental and physical violence partnered with philosophical symbolism and deep psychology.

If you have worked in or experienced the dark underbelly of human existence, the scenarios presented in this drama are not dissimilar to reality at all ... how a series of events and/or encounters with certain people over time can tip a person to lose their humanity ... childhood abuse, workplace abuse, societal abuse where you have to toe the line or face the consequences ... all leading to the buildup of intense suppressed rage ... and then implosion or explosion. Passive aggressive people seem to better manage this suppressed rage within the societal confines of propriety, but this method doesn't work for everyone one ... like Jong Woo ... he couldn't vent that rage into passive aggression, instead he could only imagine what he really wanted to do. The times he went 'physical' he got 'punished' which lead to more suppression.

It was fascinating how Moon Jo kept encouraging Jong Woo to be "truthful" ... to be authentic. It is very commonplace in the workplace and in social media to hear people telling you to "be your authentic self" ... people spew this phrase out like they were gaining merits or treasures in heaven. What does it mean to be your authentic self when you have all this suppressed rage that cannot be expressed in the family or the society or the workplace or the country you are in??? It is impossible ... especially when you have been psychologically 'invaded' and 'conquered' by abusers in your life.

The seeds of Jong Woo's metamorphosis were always there, even before he came to "Eden". Jong Woo just needed a little 'nurturing' to tip the scale... and that is exactly what Moon Jo did ... in the same way that Eom Bock Soon did to him and the twins ... Moon Jo hijacked Jong Woo's mind like a virus and psychologically became wedded to him ... calling him 자기야 . How symbolic was the name "Eden" for the place where this metamorphosis occurred ... like Adam and Eve, Jong Woo became 'corrupted' in 'Eden' and was then cast out into the world.

When Moon Jo said they could never kill him because there were too many of 'him' ... he was 100% right ... with a plethora of "Eom Bock Soon" and "Moon Jo" type parental figures / institutions / work colleagues etc ... the next generation is guaranteed.

Jean-Paul Sartre (existentialist philosopher and playwright) said in his play "No Exit":
"Hell is other people"

They mentioned this quote in this series. Sartre was of the view that humans were very much aware of how other people perceive them and that because of this awareness and the subsequent changes they make in response, they lose their freedom to be their original authentic selves. Not being able to be your authentic self and even be punished for it ... well that leads to all kinds of dramas ... just like this one ... an age old drama. Even William Shakespeare was across such a theme ... in his play "The Tempest" he wrote:
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here.”

Acting: The performances of Yim Si Wan, Lee Dong Wook, and Park Jong Hwan (played the twins) were outstanding.

Script: The scripting was generally of a high standard, but I felt that it went too slow in some places particularly some of Jung Hwa story scenes with her family/father and investigation processes ... I didn't think that really added much value to the story. I am glad that it was only 10 episodes (in my view it could have been less) as to flash it out to the usual 16 episodes would have totally destroyed the point of watching this blood bath and psychological descent into hell.
I found the scripting for the police scenes annoying and tropey - arrogant, presumptive know it all seniors and juniors going off half cocked doing their own thing (even though it was with good intentions and reasonable suspicion and because she got no support from her colleagues/line supervisors).

Rewatch - if you are into heavy brutal psychology and existential philosophy ... yeah it is worthy of a rewatch.

Overall: A disturbing series, but brilliant in its profound look at the human psyche in a repressed social context.

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Something like this actually existing?

The story is great and I enjoyed the flow of the story; but the ending and the plot twist???? (watch the story first so you would know XD). For me this is the one of the best kdrama that I watched. Starting from story, to ost(s), and to acting everything is masterpiece. The actor who acted as a twin from room 307 did a great portraying his role actually everyone of them did a great job! can't wait for the directors cut version.

Story: I don't know why Moon-Jo calling Jong-u babe and he said he was special to him? but I think that was cute hahaha I don't know why but the story is not intented to turn out like that. If they could just listen to Jong-u he will not turn like that :'( (I won't spoil it so you better watch it) and the end it was really confusing but if you're going to scan every details I think you will know it?. but I rate this (8/10)

Acting: They give justice to their role especially The actor who portrayed the twins!!! (10/10)

Music: good (10/10)

Rewatch: definitely I'm going to rewatch it sometimes so (8/10)

I recommend this to those people who love exploring some drama genre hahaha although yes as you can see it's kinda disturbing to watch it.

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Twist after twist

Strangers From Hell was right up my alley. It was dark and unexpecting. Everything thrown at you hit you and made it almost impossible to get back before another thing was thrown at you. I'm someone who cringes when things are cliche, but this drama never made me feel that way. It was so exciting and thrilling to watch. Definitely someone I can see myself watching again to kill some time if I'm feeling like it.

There is blood and horror, be warned, but it's so good. I watched this quite a while ago from writing this review, but I can still strongly remember that this is one of the best shows that I took my time to watch. Every plot hole was cleaned up and there were no scraps left behind. The acting in this show is phenomenal. And watching it, you can feel the unease our main character felt through the screen. This drama gave me goosebumps.

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Disturbingly good

This is one of the most beautifully written series I've ever seen. It does start out a little slow but once the story gets going, it's impossible to stop watching. While watching this show I felt like my emotions were heightened, that's how good of a job they did with the setting and also the acting. I also enjoyed the unpredictability and how it went far beyond my expectations.

The psychological aspect is especially well done, I like how we got an insight into how the character was processing everything. Also shows how your environment can severely affect your mental state. Overall, I enjoyed this very much, though I understand it wouldn't be for everyone, however, if you love psychological shows with creepy undertones, I highly suggest it.

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I already watched this drama five time?,What a mind blowing KDrama( series) ?someone recommned me? ,Direction,Script,Story was Solid,background music was
Hearttouching,Creepy & deep same time,Editing,Visual FX was outclass,Atmosphere was very eerie & acting was great by all cast especially Lee dong-wook( dentist) Aunty,Twins,Pervert & Jung woo( Si-wan) Act Expcetional ????? A must watch Psycoligical ,Dark Thriller for Dark cinema fans
Ending was too good ✌️ i surprised why some people complain that they not understand end? in fact every scene,story was in very detail they Explained perfectly every Aspect?
One thing was confirm ( dentist was real,he was not imagination of Jung woo,Yes Jung woo have Depression,Anxity,Halluciation Issue even before stay in Eden studio but these all mental issue become worst after face Eden studio,Job people? & Jung woo not have personality disorder issue soo this enough to explain & clear Series End

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