Trigger Review: Kim Nam-gil's edgy action thriller keeps you hooked with its pace and psychological elements

Trigger is the big Korean release of the week on Netflix. The series is about how the demands of life can make monsters out of perfectly ordinary men and women. We know how citizens are not allowed to possess firearms in South Korea. Trigger starts with a sequence that reminds us of the horrifying school shootings in the US. It sets up the tone of the cop action series in a gripping manner. A policeman finds out that illegal firearms are being distributed all across the country and the most unlikely people are in possession of them.

Kim Nam-gil plays Lee Do, an honest but laidback police officer who deals with the situation. Veteran star Kim Won-hae (Lovely Runner, Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon) whom we have seen in numerous shows is the top cop of his police station. Actor Kim Young-Kwang (Moon Baek) whose earlier works include the dark Netflix thriller Somebody is playing the role of a rookie officer. Nam-gil is excellent as Lee Do, a cop with brains and empathy. Over the years, we have seen him in various characters from a bandit to a forensic expert with flair. However, it is Park Hoon as the edgy Koo Jeong Man who steals the show. Whether it is his facial expressions or body language, he brings his psychological torment alive with aplomb.

Trigger deals with the uncomfortable realities of society, which includes the fear of sexual violence faced by women. Oh-Seung Kwan is the director of the series. There is a sense of thrill in every scene, which keeps you engaged. You will enjoy the camaraderie between officers and the mentor-protégé relationship between Lee Do and Moon Baek. The first episode ends with a murder sequence that is intense, thrilling and scary at the same time.

The dimly-lit rooms and corridors add to the noir mood of the series. Trigger’s BGM is simply outstanding keeping with the graphic compelling nature of the series. There is a bit of gore but it pales when compared to Netflix Korea’s recent series Mercy For None.

Those who enjoyed Kim Nam-gil’s forensic crime drama Through The Darkness should like this show as well. Trigger with its blend of action, thrill and psychological horror is a show that engages and makes you reflect.