A psychological TV masterpiece... except for the final 5 episodes
(*Preface: I rarely rewatch TV series and that has nothing to do with the quality! My overall rating of the series is my final rating of the series!)Episodes 1-5 (+8) was a gripping, psychological mystery part family drama about a murder crime and the complicated relationship between a profiler father and his estranged and elusive daughter. Describing it as a slow burn does a disservice to its impeccable visual storytelling, cinematography and blocking. I was hooked by everything; from Han Suk-kyu’s Jang Tae-soo’s inner struggles as a father to (newcomer Chae Won-bin’s) Jang Ha-bin’s multifaceted personality. The carefully crafted plot about how Ha-bin’s alleged involvement in the murder and how that forces her and her father to face unresolved issues in their family made me tune in episode after episode;
but by Episode 6, I felt something was off. More screen time was being given to side characters that were fated to just be plot devices, instead of the actual main characters and noticeably Jang Ha-bin. The plot twists that made me gasp and appreciate past character moments from Episodes 1-5 were significantly lost and were now present as signs of lazy writing and shock factor. Scenes of character development between the father and daughter were so rushed, I’m honestly sad this is how I’m going to think of the final episode.
As sad as I am, I’ll still cherish the first five episodes because this was my first proper deep dive into the psychological mystery/crime thriller genre and Jang Ha-bin is one of my favourite female characters from the thriller genre. No other series can replace that. I am still genuinely happy that Chae Won-bin and the rest of the cast got their wins during awards season! I look forward to seeing her and the rest of the crew in front and behind my screens again! 🖤
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unique take on crime thrillers
this drama brings a new variety to the world of crime investigation-related thrillers - slower pacing/storytelling to bring more detail and add more nuance and, pun intended - doubt as to who to point fingers to as the story progresses.here's what i liked about the doubt / why you should watch it:
- cinematography is beautiful. the setting is nothing special, just a normal city and the detective/his daughter's normal house. but the way they depict it to be gloomy and colorless adds to the ambience, and also highlights the relationship between the detective and his daughter.
- the big picture is not clear throughout the drama, which is where i think they did a great job. each episode they revealed something about the storyline that wasn't known, but not necessarily solving the issue at the end of the drama. it was fun, trying to figure out whether or whether not habin was the culprit. sometimes it felt so obviously her, and sometimes not.
- watching the detective's calm, collected, and cold demeanor slowly fall apart towards the last few dramas was a great addition to the climax of truly finding out the important parts of what really happened to lee suhyeon, and habin's mother.
- some people may not like the pacing of this drama, that is for sure. it is slow, which is why it's unique. instead of big shock moments and revelations, things played out slowly, allowing us to first be introduced to every character into high detail, and steadily connecting each detail to the storyline. i felt that when everything was starting to come together that i really understood what was going on from a multifaceted view. it's fun it made me feel like a smart detective a little bit
overall, they did a great job with this drama. it's changed my perspective of crime thrillers and maybe they should always be around 10 eps idk
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This review may contain spoilers
Doubt
Finito ...è lo dico con il sorriso è finito..Anche questo ultimo episodio mi spiace ma l'abbiacco era dietro l'angolo...do 7.5 come voto per ha bin un'attrice che mi ha sorpreso perché è stato davvero fantastica in questo ruolo.. dall'inizio alla fine!!
Come ormai si era intuito dietro a tutto c'era la vera psicopatica kim seong hui ..povero bambino digiunava perché terrorizzato dall'idea che la madre potesse ucciderlo ... sto professore alla fine si era innamorato di una psicopatica che aveva cercato di incastrarlo ma tirando le somme era innocente su tutto ..e suo padre aveva fatto lo stesso errore della madre di ha bin, pensando che song min a fosse stata uccisa dal figlio ha occultato il cadavere ..come la madre di ha bin ha fatto con l'amica...
Con la chiusura del caso Padre e figlia trovano il modo di chiarire e aprirsi a modo loro ... un po mi ha stretto il cuore quando ha bin ha detto al padre che lo sa che veniva trattata da mostro perché era diversa ...questo ha fatto sì che finalmente tutto ciò che entrambi nascondevano nel cuore viene fuori, il padre finalmente trova il coraggio di chiedere alla figlia ciò che ha sempre temuto e cioè se la morte del figlio fosse avvenuta per causa sua ... (non mi sarebbe spiaciuto se ha bin avesse raccontato di quel giorno) chiariti i risentimenti reciproci adesso padre e figlia possono andare avanti...
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Something not to be missed!
Doubt isn’t just about the drama or the twists—it’s a series that really makes you reflect on the bonds you share with those around you, and how easily they can unravel if not nurtured. It’s raw, real, and lingers with you long after the episode ends. The cinematography is beautifully and thoughtfully crafted, elevating the emotions and struggles of the characters. At its core, Doubt is a deep dive into the messy, heartbreaking complexities of family relationships. While the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, it’s the emotional weight behind the characters’ struggles that truly leaves a lasting impression.Was this review helpful to you?
Darkness that lures you in
It's a niche drama. Dark, suspicious, alluringly mesmerizing.This drama pokes into the darkness of the viewer, and I feel could be misunderstood as slow or boring when addressed not in the just-right mindset. Just like listening to metal, hard rock and/or grieving sad songs requires a certain mindset, the darkness this drama digs into is also likely not in everyone.
The main character is...unsettling at best. She doesn't express emotions like everyone else, making it hard to tell what she's thinking. Throughout the show her actions and words start to make sense, though still making the viewer unable to tell the subtle line between truth and deception.
I don't remember when I last thought a drama's name was so fitting. It made me doubt the chatacters the whole length of the drama...but at the same time, I got to a point where I was fine with either ending, both made sense to me.
Noteworthy aspect were the ending scenes. Instead of being a straight cliffhanger where we don't know what will happen next, we're left with a taste of the characters' worlds taking a 180 turn, leaving the viewer guessing how they're going to deal with the aftermath.
The cast. The characters portrayed weren't fluffy or very emotional people, hence their emotions had to be conveyed in subtle mannerism. I thought the actors did an awesome job, especially in more emotional scenes where they still refused to scream and cry while delivering the complexities of their character's emotions.
The music was proper, dark and tension-gripping, so no complaints here.
Would I recommend? Yes. Definitely yes. For a drama of its genre, I really have no complaints.
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Press "X" to Doubt
is not your typical adrenaline-fueled thriller. It's a meticulously crafted psychological drama that favors a slow, deliberate burn, delving deep into the complexities of family, trust, and the insidious nature of doubt. While the measured pace might not appeal to those seeking instant gratification, viewers willing to immerse themselves in its nuanced storytelling will be rewarded with a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience.A Unique Take on the Crime Thriller Genre:
The drama centers around a seasoned criminal profiler who finds himself investigating a murder case that inexplicably leads him to his own daughter. This personal connection injects a powerful emotional core into the narrative, elevating it beyond a mere whodunnit. The core mystery is compelling, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, but the true strength of "Doubt" lies in its exploration of the father-daughter relationship.
The characters are remarkably well-developed and portrayed with exceptional depth. The father, played masterfully by Han Suk-kyu, embodies the struggle of a man adept at understanding criminal minds yet grappling to comprehend his enigmatic daughter. Her portrayal is equally captivating, as she maintains an air of inscrutability, leaving the audience perpetually uncertain about her true role in the unfolding events. Even the supporting characters are given compelling backstories and motivations, adding layers to the central plot.
The drama's cinematography and soundtrack create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the unsettling narrative. The gloomy, muted visuals serve as a visual metaphor for the murky moral ambiguities at the heart of the story. This is not a show filled with bright colors and happy moments; instead, it embraces a stark realism that heightens the sense of unease.
"Doubt" is undeniably slow-paced, which might deter some viewers. However, this deliberate pacing serves a crucial purpose. It allows for a deep exploration of the characters' psychologies and the gradual escalation of tension. The drama relies on subtle hints, nuanced expressions, and meaningful silences to build suspense rather than cheap jump scares or dramatic reveals. This approach encourages active viewing and rewards patience.
Beyond its thrilling elements, "Doubt" offers a profound examination of family dynamics and the devastating consequences of broken trust. It exposes the vulnerabilities within familial relationships, highlighting how misunderstandings and a lack of communication can lead to irreparable damage. The drama's emotional resonance stems from its realistic portrayal of these complexities, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
"Doubt" is a must-watch for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling, exceptional acting, and a slow-burn approach to suspense. It's a drama that will linger in your thoughts, prompting reflection on the fragility of trust and the intricate nature of human relationships. If you're seeking a fast-paced thriller, this might not be the show for you. However, if you're willing to invest your time and attention, "Doubt" will reward you with a deeply satisfying and emotionally enriching experience.
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Insanely good!!!!
Happy New Year everyone, this time I am gripped, completely taken, beyond expectation by what I thought I would see for a detective drama released in 2024.Finally back with a review and just as the title suggests, there is a lot of doubt that arises when everything is not obvious. This is a detective/thriller out of the ordinary I must say. Basically I would describe it as a cold and heavy psychological thriller.
Centered around a father and daughter relationship that has a complicated past. There is also a similar situation in Your Honor which has father-son instead and Perfect family. But the relationship is similar. Where his daughter in question is an important factor in several cases. As a profiler he tries to identify the perpetrators and their motives. The police officer in charge has also got 2 new subordinates to help him. These two have different personalities and perspectives on how things should be solved. One is emotional in his reactions and the other is more rational in his perception.
Well-written mystery detective story that is partly reminiscent of Through the Darkness, Chimera and Mouse. Not as violent as the aforementioned but visually gripping. Many investigations and difficult cases that require time and patience. Not a fast pace at all and once you get into the series you have time to discover all the details in the pace that the plot keeps. The length of 10 episodes is perfect for getting everything from beginning to end. Incredibly fantastic soundtracks that fit perfectly. Without a doubt, absolutely very worth seeing!!!!!!
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Magic with Cinematography, Screenplay - Best Thriller of All Time
First, let's talk about the extraordinary cinematography/camera work.My best appreciation of cinematography and soundtrack. The people who worked for those 2 sections really gave fantastic output. Coloring, lighting too. To precisely say the Cinematography's a truly magical feast here that elevates the dramas story telling to different levels. The slow motion angle shots/slow moving forward frame/slow backward moving frames are really, really well done. It's like cinematography/camera work magic. And writing is good, except for the last episode, Lee Su Hyun's death.
Acting is extraordinary, especially. Chae Won bin really, really done a pure masterclass. I know her character role is i
emotionless person throughout drama, but for an upcoming emerging actress it's not that easy to perfectly convey the same expressions from the start to the end of the drama and to keep watchers engaged. Also every actor gives their best performance.
But the disappointing thing is—no strong story in the detective subplot, same weak writing on police and detective procedural. The Writing in this core area feels underdeveloped or formulaic, with not thrilling investigative elements used as to push the story forward. They do nothing except suspect and arrest the main leads. Writers are using this police procedural plot just for the story engagement and to move the episode forward. Except for this weak writing, every aspect is good.
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a thriller that meets expectations with extraordinary production
A psychological thriller with breathtaking production and aesthetics. A story that keeps us in suspense until the end with many twists and turns. We can suspect that the girl will not be the real culprit but even if we suspect it to the end, doubt is instilled in us (appropriate title).The father/daughter relationship is quite interesting in its evolution from a childhood trauma to a need for trust. The interactions are slightly redundant but don't spoil the drama either.
On the police station side, I really liked the character of Yoon Gyung Ho who doesn't like our main protagonist, who just tries to do the job as best he can while remaining a human. The two assistant investigators are a little less interesting because each just has their bias and won't budge (both are wrong in their own way).
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I'm still looking for a perfect realistic detective kdrama
I apologize if there are a lot of mistakes here, I translated my review using google translate 😅I really liked the previous work of director Song Yeon Hwa - "Hunted", so I was happy to start watching this drama.
The story was interesting, but not without its drawbacks.
The recipe for an ideal detective thriller for me is to be realistic and show more investigations than drama/melodrama.
Here they did not quite cope with this task.
Too much drama/melodrama out of nowhere.
I would shorten the series from 10 episodes to 8.
I do not mind the slow narrative, I even like it and it seems realistic, but I do not like what they waste our time on.
If they removed the scenes where the characters whine for a long time and annoyingly, cry, are silent and just look at each other mysteriously or repetitive dialogues and running after the daughter, it would be better. (IMHO)
The actors play well, the drama is well filmed.
I would just like more realism, the picture is TOO clean, every frame and look is licked, it doesn't look very believable. Many scenes look like decorations, especially the main characters' house, it doesn't look like a house where a family lives, especially a father and a teenager, there is no comfort even when the mother was there.
Teenagers from the gang looked like models with new hairstyles.
Special thanks that there is no politics in this drama, otherwise it is impossible to watch when elections, conspiracies, deputies, chaebols, corrupt officials and police chiefs are dragged in everywhere. It all seems so cliche that you don't even want to watch it anymore.
It is also pleasing that disagreements between colleagues at work remain more or less professional, and do not slide into a farce and fistfight, as often happens. (The team of main characters is good and professional, and the other workers envy them every time, plot, yell and fight with them) For me, this immediately gives many minus points.
----- SPOILERS -----
Everything could have been different if the main characters' family had taken care of their child, talked to her, taken her to sessions with a psychologist/psychiatrist. This was not the case here, there was no hint of it, there was not even an offer to visit a specialist, although the mother had been visiting him for years...
The father, in principle, did not know anything about his daughter and ex-wife. (Okay, let's say work was more important to him.)
The daughter only causes irritation.
I caught a facepalm when she said, "Mom just had to ask me...😔"
Girl, that wouldn't have worked, your father would literally ask you what you were offended by and you'd answer, "Are you suspecting me?? 🙄" Or you'd answer with a thick layer of sarcasm, something like, "Yeah, I killed EVERYONE."
You could have tried to be a normal kid and tell your parents everything, instead of keeping silent and getting into even more trouble every time.
You could have not acted like a psychopath and not made murder plans or dossiers on everyone you knew...
I was a little upset by the cliche that a large police station doesn't have any security or a security checkpoint at the entrance. And also that witnesses and suspects detained for questioning are led through corridors where any passerby with a knife or other weapon can enter.
The most disappointing thing for me was the lack of explanation of what happened to her brother in the past. We were told it was an accident, but I would have liked to know more details, see a scene from memories or maybe just a third person flashback. (In case his sister forgot the details due to shock)
But we don't know anything... What were they doing? How did it happen? Why was the girl covered in blood?
I thought the blood was from the boy falling, but then why is it on her dress? Or was the girl climbing down to him? How did she manage to get back up then, it seems impossible for a small child... So many questions, but few answers.
The parents also had all these questions and logically, specialists should have worked with a mentally traumatized girl to be able to help her and find out the truth.
I waited for answers until the very end, but I never got them.
It seemed like the director wanted to engage the audience in an interesting way, but couldn't explain it properly or connect it to the main plot.
But overall, I liked the vibe of the drama, I want to see more realistic dark detective thriller Kdramas like in Scandinavian series.
Personally, I'm already tired of action dramas with a lot of inappropriate humor and immortal heroes.
My rating is 8-8.5/10, worth watching.
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Strong Start, Weak Finish
MBC’s psychological thriller Doubt begins with an engaging mystery, full of deception, betrayal, and layered psychological tension. The first five episodes successfully build intrigue, introducing Jang Tae-su as a conflicted profiler caught between duty and family. The slow unraveling of Ha-bin’s connection to the case keeps the suspense alive, while the moral ambiguity of characters adds depth to the storytelling. During these episodes, the show excels in emotional intensity, making every interaction feel deliberate and significant. Tae-su’s struggle to balance logic and instinct creates strong psychological tension, pulling viewers deeper into the mystery.However, as the series progresses, it begins to lose momentum. The resolution of Koo Dae-hong’s manipulations lacks real consequences, frustrating viewers who expect justice to be served. He evades legal punishment through judicial loopholes and influence, and the absence of social isolation or professional fallout weakens the impact of his exposure. Jo Gyeong-bin’s unwavering loyalty to him feels contradictory, considering her reputation for upholding the law. Meanwhile, Ha-bin’s emotional closure is rushed, leaving her character arc feeling underdeveloped, despite the intense psychological battles she endured.
The final episodes miss opportunities for a more satisfying conclusion. A symbolic moment—such as Ha-bin walking away from her past or Tae-su making a defining choice—could have reinforced the themes of redemption and change more powerfully. Instead, the story leaves too many loose ends, making the moral tensions feel incomplete. The drama had potential to explore justice and psychological manipulation in a more fulfilling way, but its later episodes don’t maintain the strength of its early storytelling.
Overall, Doubt delivers thrilling psychological tension in its early episodes but falters when it fails to hold its characters accountable. While the strong performances and initial mystery keep viewers engaged, the lack of consequences, emotional depth, and character resolution make the ending feel frustratingly unbalanced. Had the drama sustained the tight psychological storytelling of its first half, it could have been far more impactful.
Final rating: 6.5/10.
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Good Enough
Korean Drama '' Doubt '' is an investigation drama that revolves around a mystery that may be incriminating the investigator's daughter.The drama has some strong characters who collide and provide enough twists and doubts to have the audience guessing what really is going on and what their true motives are.
The mystery itself was quite interesting and got darker and darker as the story proceeded. The ending was also quite unpredictable.
However, the series got a bit tiring towards the final episodes.
Finally, the performances were all great by everyone in the cast.
So, overall, seven out of ten.
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