The body swap is quite a familiar trope in films. These are usually campy efforts, though.
“Devils” is different.
It is subverting the plot mechanism, utilizing it as anchor in a serious – if a tad too gory – crime thriller.
The film follows Jae-hwan (Oh Dae-hwan), a homicide detective utterly determined on taking down Jin-hyuk (Jang Dong-yoon), a serial killer at large.
It is personal for him as among Jin-hyuk’s manyvictims is his brother-in-law, who was also his partner.
Driven by rage, Jae-hwan is ready to do anything and everything to bring down Jin-hyuk.
As determined as he is, it wasn’t long before he actually captures Jin-hyuk.
While driving Jin-hyuk back to headquarters, an accident occurs, leaving them both unconscious.
When he wakes up, Jae-hwan is surprised to learn that he is inside the body of Jin-hyuk and vice versa.
How will he get his body back? How can he convince authorities he is who he is? Will he ever succeed in making Jin-hyuk answer for his crimes?
We will not spoil it for you but suffice it to say, “Devils” is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
The suspense could leave you breathless at times.
The action is fast-paced, brutal and too bloody.
Dae-hwan is perfect for his role. We can’t say the same for Dong-yoon, though. We felt that his performance as a crazed serial killer hews more closely to caricature.
But in all, “Devils” is a fun ride.
We will not be surprised if other directors here and abroad follow – if actually copy – Kim Jae-hoon’s efforts.
Now showing exclusively at SM cinemas.
