Copycat Killer (模仿犯)is a Taiwanese crime-drama-thriller series starring Wu Kang-ren, Alice Ko, Ruby Lin, Ko Chia-yen and Fandy Fan, alongside other cast members. The series has 10 episodes, each with a runtime of 60 minutes. The series is based on the novel “模倣犯” by Miyabe Miyuki.
– Copycat Killer Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
Copycat Killer follows a tenacious prosecutor who is hurled into a cat-and-mouse chase with a manipulative murderer after a spree of serial killings rocks the nation. Using the media’s interest in his grisly murders, the killer stops at nothing to manipulate the victims, police and the media in order to turn his work into a national spectacle.
Copycat Killer is that slow burn that frustrates you and gets under your skin all at once. The biggest positive of this show is that it is simply so long that it takes its sweet time to create these characters from scratch, so you are thoroughly invested in their journey and what they go through throughout this grisly affair.
The show is much like other crime-thrillers of the genre – it’s just a horrifying string of events that will leave you worried for your loved ones. Although you wouldn’t expect such things to happen to you or those close to you, you know that there are such delinquents out there who are fully capable of things like these.
Since these characters are so fleshed out over the course of 10 60-minute-long episodes, your feelings gradually increase towards this entire situation. There’s a palpable anxiety that is ever-present in the series that keeps you thoroughly thrilled, albeit it does take a bit to get from one point to the next. The buffer times are filled with character backstories that round everyone out for us to know the next bit of information.
Also, the series is really dark and thoroughly difficult; thus, if you’re someone who is easily squeamish, be aware. There are some emotional moments that are sometimes more difficult than the crimes themselves. These moments will break your heart into a few pieces. Watching desperate commoners scramble to find justice or some form of information about their daughters (or granddaughters) is absolutely sad, but more so when the killer toys with their (and our) emotions and manipulates them to do his bidding.
Copycat Killer also brings forth the hold that media has on our everyday lives and how it can be used to do so much destruction. Granted, it’s one of the pillars of today’s society, but when people use it for their own gain without a care for others, it definitely leaves a grim impact. It’s an interesting angle that is actually very well covered, and we get to see the politics behind the scenes that affect and feed the fire of an already shocking scene.
That being said, Copycat Killer isn’t unique in any way. We have seen this show in slightly different ways in several different shows. After a while, you will have an idea about where this show is going and will definitely be able to predict its beats. However, the thriller keeps throwing more and more curve balls at you to dodge. There are several interesting parts of the story that keep you interested other than the murders and these are as messed up as the blood and gore.
Performances are pretty great throughout the board. As I mentioned before – with meaty roles such as those on the show, you are bound to be thoroughly invested. Chris Wu is delicious as Kuo Hsiao-chi. He’s the level-headed prosecutor who doesn’t stray from the truth or what’s right. He’s also soft when the role requires. With him we have Fandy Fan as Shen Jia-wen whose complicated character is brought to light quite beautifully by the actor. Everyone else is also quite great.
Copycat Killer Review: Final Thoughts
Copycat Killer is a great series that keeps you guessing till the end. Asian thrillers have consistently been great at keeping us at the edge of our seats and this new addition is nothing other than great. The different themes explored in this nifty thriller is the perfect watch for those who love to be thoroughly spooked.
Copycat Killer is streaming on Netflix.
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