Dark Figure of Crime – Review

This smart psychological thriller revolves around a detective and a “confessed” possible serial killer. It is loosely based on a real story however is a fictional variation of events, as in real life there was no investigation or report of the movie’s portrayed murders. The story is unfolded non-sequentially, however is relatively easy to follow.

After suspect Kang Tae-oh is arrested by police for killing his girlfriend, from behind bars he begins claiming that he has also killed six other people. Despite this “admission,” he refuses to talk to the detectives for his current murder charge, as he believes the evidence was fabricated to put him behind bars in the first place for this crime.

At the time of the killer’s arrest, Kang was meeting with narcotics officer Kim Hyung-min as an informant, ready to provide info. During this meeting, Kang was arrested and has been thrown in jail. Kang only wants to talk to Kim, due to the distrust of other detectives. Kang has information to provide, if his demands are met.

What plays out next is a cat and mouse game between the killer Kang and the officer Kim. Will the police prove out the killer’s story about additional bodies? Will the killer find a way to subvert the system that has him locked up? Was the killer set-up by homicide detectives for his girlfriend’s murder? Will the “killer” escape all justice?

Part procedural investigation, part thrill-ride, this movie should not be missed for crime thriller enthusiasts.