South Korean heartthrob, Won Bin and Kim Hye-ja, typecast as an archetypal mother figure star in this mystery-thriller drama. While its premise sets it up as a typical find-the-killer, the film focuses more on the dynamics of Bin and Kim’s complicated mother-son relationship. Kim Hye-ja displays a reverse Oedipus complex, protective of her son. Bong's attention to detail is prevalent, using Kim's acupuncture needles as symbolism for males' genitals to reserve the male-female role. Do joon (Won Bin) also highlights a complicated male-female relationship when the murdered girl questions his masculinity, resembling when his friend questions if he has even been with a woman and replies in an outburst. Much more daring in its use of violence compared to Bong’s similar films like Memories of Murder, Bong’s signature dark aesthetics and gritty tones is a plus in the film’s overall mood. Brutally endearing and heartfelt performances fill this feature.