The sociopathic thriller ‘The Devil You Know’ is meeting domestic audiences today (20th) in theaters nationwide.
#1 The stark contrast between good and evil
‘The Devil You Know’ is a sociopathic thriller that unfolds through the intertwining of ‘Yujeong (Han Chae-young)’ who believes in good intentions, ‘Kang Soo (Jang Ik-soo)’ who rejects faith, and ‘Seon-hee (Hyun Woo-sung)’ who exploits others, delving into the depths of human nature in a catastrophic relationship where one side must kill or be killed.
Going beyond a simple confrontation between victim and perpetrator, the film explores the complex interplay of good and evil that coexists within human nature. The story unfolds through the emotional lines of three characters—‘Yujeong’, who believes in people; ‘Kang Soo’, who does not; and ‘Seon-hee’, who uses others—where they form relationships in different ways, collide amid their respective wounds and desires, ultimately leading to catastrophe. The film shows how good intentions can be manipulated, and how unreciprocated kindness may turn into a threat for someone, through characters who condemn the wickedness of specific individuals while seeking the origins of that evil.
#2 Gaslighting, dating violence, and sociopath warnings
Through a character who appears kind in words and actions but hides a thorough desire for control and domination, the film realistically portrays the nature of emotion-based crimes that have become everyday threats, such as gaslighting, dating violence, and stalking. ‘Yujeong’, who believes in human goodwill, interprets ‘Seon-hee’s’ kindness as great consideration, while her brother ‘Kang Soo’ senses that she is dangerous but finds ‘Yujeong’ already trapped in a relationship that resembles a snare. The gradual isolation, manipulation of emotions, and the transformation of trust into a weapon are expected to resonate with audiences, bringing them a realistic fear beyond simple thrills. As director Hyun Woo-sung summarized ‘The Devil You Know’ as a ‘crime prevention film,’ it does not loudly proclaim its message but prompts audiences to reflect on the social message that ‘anyone can be a perpetrator or a victim’—a consideration we must reckon with today.
#3 Hyun Woo-sung takes the megaphone, Han Chae-young returns to the screen after 8 years, and Jang Ik-soo crosses genres
First, Hyun Woo-sung, who embarked on a new challenge as a director through ‘The Devil You Know,’ made his debut in the 2010 drama ‘Three Sisters.’ He has proven his acting passion by showcasing a broad acting spectrum in ‘Yellow Revenge’ and ‘Elegant Friends.’ In ‘The Devil You Know,’ he not only takes the megaphone but also plays ‘Seon-hee,’ the character at the heart of all the events, embodying a chilling quiet evil. He presents the face of a malevolent person who appears kind but is full of control desires.
Actress Han Chae-young, who returns to the screen after 8 years, debuted in the 2000 film ‘If You Are Shot, You Die.’ She gained immense popularity by showcasing various charms in drama series like ‘The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor’ and ‘Boys Over Flowers.’ In ‘The Devil You Know,’ she delicately portrays a character who believed in her goodwill but loses everything due to that faith. Her performance, which brings forth ‘Yujeong’s’ emotions from within, completely overturns the image we have known of Han Chae-young, leaving a strong and new impression on the audience.
Lastly, Jang Ik-soo, who debuted as an actor through the drama ‘Bad Papa,’ has actively continued his work across dramas, films, and OTT series. Notably, he gained both domestic and international attention by being invited to the Venice International Film Festival with the youth romance ‘Where Your Eyes Linger.’ In ‘The Devil You Know,’ he takes on the role of ‘Kang Soo,’ convincingly portraying a character who harbors both anger and scars as he tries to protect ‘Yujeong,’ while also delivering refreshing action performances, continuing his new challenges.
[Photo] SF DREAM
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