If you’re a fan of Through The Darkness, with its intense look into criminal psychology and the gripping process of catching serial killers, you’re likely craving more psychological thrillers and crime mysteries. Fortunately, the world of K-drama and cinema offers some incredible, though sometimes underrated, gems that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here’s a list of 10 lesser-known but highly-rated titles that Through The Darkness fans will absolutely love.
1. Nobody Knows (2020)
A seasoned detective is haunted by the murder of her best friend years ago. When a similar crime emerges, she becomes entangled in a case that risks the safety of a young boy she grows close to.
Climactic Highlight: The heart-wrenching revelation of the boy’s connection to the killer creates a deeply emotional yet thrilling climax, adding layers of moral dilemmas and psychological depth.
2. Children of Nobody (2018)
A child counsellor’s life spirals out of control after a tragic accident. She becomes obsessed with investigating cases of abandoned children, guided by cryptic poems and a detective struggling with his own demons.
Climactic Highlight: The chilling confrontation with the child-abuser mastermind unveils a shocking and poetic twist, creating an emotional punch amidst the dark themes of child neglect and societal neglect.
3. Save Me (2017)
A woman is trapped in a sinister religious cult, and a group of friends attempt to rescue her, uncovering the horrifying secrets hidden within the community.
Climactic Highlight: The explosive confrontation between the cult leader and the friends provides a gut-wrenching moment of truth, where the true power of brainwashing is revealed in all its chilling reality.
4. Life on Mars (2018)
After a near-fatal accident, a modern-day detective wakes up in 1988. To return to his present life, he must solve crimes using old-school investigative methods while unravelling the mystery of his time travel.
Climactic Highlight: The intense and mind-bending climax reveals whether the protagonist is truly in the past or part of a larger psychological puzzle, keeping viewers guessing until the last moment.
5. God’s Quiz (2010-2019)
A team of forensic doctors investigates rare diseases and mysterious deaths, diving into the world of obscure medical conditions and the people behind them.
Climactic Highlight: The most compelling climaxes often involve the revelation of seemingly impossible medical cases being solved, where science and human nature collide in unexpected ways.
6. Voice 2 (2018)
A sequel to the popular ‘Voice’, this season follows a new team and villain, as they race against time using audio clues to capture murderers.
Climactic Highlight: The final showdown between the detective and a sadistic villain who has been taunting the team is tense, filled with high stakes and an intense psychological battle.
7. Forgotten (2017)
After his brother mysteriously disappears and returns with no memory of what happened, a man embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.
Climactic Highlight: The jaw-dropping twist in the third act completely flips the narrative, transforming the movie from a mystery into a psychological rollercoaster that keeps you hooked until the very last scene.
8. Signal (2016)
Two detectives from different timelines – one in the present and one from 1989 – communicate via a mysterious walkie-talkie to solve cold cases that have haunted the police force for decades.
Climactic Highlight: The revelation of how past actions influence present events is heart-stopping, especially when characters from both timelines converge at key moments, blending mystery, suspense, and emotion in one of the most satisfying conclusions.
9. A Hard Day (2014)
A corrupt detective accidentally kills a man and tries to cover it up, only to be blackmailed by someone who witnessed the incident.
Climactic Highlight: The climactic face-off between the detective and his blackmailer is filled with tension, dark humour, and unexpected twists, creating a thrilling crescendo to the story.
10. Confession of Murder (2012)
Years after the statute of limitations on a murder case expires, a man claims to be the serial killer behind it in a bestselling book. However, a detective and the victims’ families aren’t convinced.
Climactic Highlight: The gripping and violent showdown between the detective and the alleged killer offers a powerful commentary on justice, public perception, and revenge, leaving the audience questioning the truth until the very end.
Conclusion
These underrated gems dive deep into the human psyche, much like ‘Through The Darkness’, offering tense thrills, mind-bending mysteries, and rich psychological depth. If you enjoyed the intensity of criminal profiling in ‘Through The Darkness’, these selections will undoubtedly keep you captivated from start to finish. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a dark and thrilling ride! Until then, check out my other Korean content review here! TTO BBOJAA!
