Beside You (2024)

Cast

Hey Wachirawi...

As: Nine

Onzen Kiadtip...

As: Hope

Little Siravi...

As: Tar

A Bloody Sequel with Familiar Tropes

Believer 2, now streaming on Netflix, picks up where its predecessor left off. Cho Jin-woong reprises his role as narcotics division captain Won-ho, a cop who plays by his own rules. The elusive drug business operator, formerly portrayed by Ryu Jun-yeol, is now played by Oh Seung-hoon. The film introduces a few extra baddies and swaps out director Lee Hae-young for Baek Jong-yul. But what it doesn’t do is add much to the convoluted plotting of the first film.

The original Believer was a hit, and perhaps that’s why this empty, bloody sequel got the green light. The story revolves around the pursuit of Seo Young-rak, a cartel criminal who has always been one step ahead of Won-ho. The film delves into existential questions about desire, belief, and revenge. As Rak and his trusty brother-sister drug cooks dismantle the operations of high-level drug supplier Brian (posing as “Mr. Lee”), the stakes escalate. Rak’s motive? To avenge the deaths of his parents, murdered by the cartel leader 25 years earlier.

The film’s structure mirrors the first installment, restaging action sequences and maintaining a complex web of alliances. Won-ho, now suspended for incompetence, continues his solitary hunt for both Brian and Rak. The film doesn’t shy away from gratuitous violence, but it also adds layers and twists to the story. While it doesn’t deliver a definitive answer to the cliffhanger from Believer, it keeps viewers engaged.

Tips for Writing a Helpful Review:

1. Start with a Thesis: Before writing, decide on the main message you want to convey. Keep it straightforward and focused. Imagine telling a friend about the film—what’s the key takeaway?
2. Highlight Likes and Dislikes: Even in a glowing review, consider including at least one positive aspect. Balance your critique with moments of praise.
3. Recommendation: State whether you’d recommend the film. A star rating is useful, but also provide a brief explanation. For instance, “I’d recommend this if you’re a musical theater buff.”

In summary, Believer 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it offers fans of the first film more of what they enjoyed: action, intrigue, and a tangled web of loyalties. Whether you stream it or skip it depends on your appetite for blood-soaked crime dramas with a touch of existential pondering.