Strangers From Hell Kdrama Review

Strangers from Hell (Drama, 2019, 타인은 지옥이다)

People are more scarier and that is evident when I finished watching Strangers From Hell Kdrama. Will you let yourself in an apartment full of strange people or will you just run for your life? Strangers From Hell tells the story of a young man, Yoon Jong-woo (Im Si-wan) in his 20s who moves to Seoul after landing an internship in a company. While looking for a place to stay, he stumbles upon Eden Studio, an ominous cheap dormitory, and decides to stay there as he is low on money. Though not thrilled about the quality of the place and its abnormal residents, including his next-door neighbor Seo Moon-jo (Lee Dong-wook), he decides to tolerate it until he saves enough money to move out. However, mysterious occurrences start occurring in the studio, causing Jong-woo to start fearing the studio's residents.

Being a fan of psychological-crime-horror, why did I just watch this now? The show's direction and cinematography were effectively building suspense and maintaining a creepy atmosphere. The tension is undeniably there, especially in the main location which looks so dark that light never reaches the single corners of the room. The claustrophobic setting of the apartment building and the mysterious behavior of its residents contribute to a sense of unease that builds throughout the series. Even for me, I will not have the courage to stay in a place like this. It feels like you are inside the belly of a beast.

Strangers from Hell (Drama, 2019, 타인은 지옥이다)
Strangers from Hell (Drama, 2019, 타인은 지옥이다)


Im Si-wan's portrayal of a young man caught in a nightmarish situation was seen as convincing and emotionally engaging. We can see him as an underdog then progresses into something else. You can definitely see the changes in his personality. I can actually empathize with his character being alone, moving out to reach for his dreams, unsupportive partner, financially strained, and just struggling with his work.

Strangers from Hell (Drama, 2019, 타인은 지옥이다)
Strangers from Hell (Drama, 2019, 타인은 지옥이다)

I can never imagine Lee Dong-wook as a creepy human being with those handsome looks! Lol! He is silent but deadly. Just by the looks in his eyes. He really pushes Im Si-wan's character to his limits. He brings the beast out of him.

Other characters such as Lee Kung Eun as our friendly landlady and Park Jong-Hwan playing double roles as the twins played their part well too.

Strangers from Hell (Drama, 2019, 타인은 지옥이다)
Strangers from Hell (Drama, 2019, 타인은 지옥이다)

Strangers from Hell" excels in delivering psychological thrills. The series explores themes of paranoia, isolation, and the fear of the unknown, making it a gripping watch for fans of psychological horror. It doesn't give that jump scare. It is the human psyche and the setting that makes it scarier.

It's important to note that because of its intense and graphic content, "Strangers from Hell" may not be suitable for all viewers. However, if you enjoy psychological horror and can handle disturbing themes, it is likely to provide a thrilling and unsettling viewing experience. As with any entertainment, individual preferences may vary, so it's a good idea to check out the series and form your own opinion.

Watch Strangers From Hell on Disney+.

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