Based on the Japanese novel You Will Die in 6 Hours by Kazuaki Takano, this South Korean adaptation takes an unconventional approach compared to typical thrillers. Directed by Lee Yun-seok, who also helmed the Japanese drama Yuko’s Diary, the film leans more into drama than the mystery-thriller genre it originally promised. Released on October 30, it stars Jae-hyun Jeong, Park Ju-hyun, and Kwak Si-yang.
Jeong Yoon (played by Park) has lived alone since running away from home years ago, scraping by with various side jobs like working as a supermarket cashier and package warehouse worker. One day, a mysterious man named Jun Woo (Jeong) suddenly confronts her at an intersection, telling her that she will be killed in six hours. It turns out this warning is linked to a series of murders targeting young women in her city.
Given the trailer and marketing focus on the mystery-thriller aspect, it’s understandable that some viewers may be disappointed to find the film isn’t packaged like a typical thriller. Instead, it opts for a slower, more philosophical, and dramatic tone. The film lacks the intense suspense typical of thrillers, which might be a letdown for those expecting edge-of-your-seat tension.
Moreover, while the story’s premise is intriguing, the deliberate pacing makes the plot twist fairly predictable. The director’s background in drama seems to steer the film’s focus toward its message and deeper subplots rather than the primary conflict, suggesting a deliberate shift in emphasis. It almost feels as if the murder and death prediction aren’t meant to be the central focus.
This film would be much better suited as a mystery drama rather than a thriller, given its thoughtful crafting and philosophical undertones. However, if the filmmakers insist on marketing it as a thriller, it’s clear this film is unconventional, with suspense that is far subtler, lacking the adrenaline typical of mainstream thrillers.
There’s an intriguing trend here, considering the novel’s Japanese origin. The film’s slower storytelling, emphasis on subtext, and subtlety are reminiscent of the anime series Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi), a phenomenal fantasy-seinen thriller that managed to build tension and suspense seamlessly through pacing and mystery. In Erased, the carefully controlled pacing creates a horror and urgency that is compelling. In contrast, You Will Die in 6 Hours has scenes that would benefit from either a quicker or slower rhythm to heighten its tension and sense of urgency.
Ultimately, You Will Die in 6 Hours would be better marketed as a mystery drama, as it lacks the intensity audiences expect from a thriller. That said, the cinematography, music, and acting do an effective job of drawing viewers into its depressive, thought-provoking world.
