Series: The Bequeathed, Is It a Must-Watch or a Skip?- Netflix

Introduction: With a stellar cast and inspired by a webtoon, the recently debuted limited series 'The Bequeathed' has caught the attention of many. But is it worth your time, or can you simply scroll past it? Read on to discover more.

Synopsis:

The official description of the show sets the stage: “After the death of an unknown uncle, a woman inherits a burial ground and finds herself in the center of a string of murders and dark secrets.”

Plot Summary: Yoon Seon-ha (portrayed by Kim Hyun-Joo) is a university assistant instructor facing professional exploitation and personal struggles as an unhappy wife. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a family burial ground from an unknown uncle, triggering a series of murders and unveiling dark secrets. Detectives Choi Seong-joon (Park Hee-soon) and Park Sang-min (Park Byung-eun) inform her of her uncle's possible murder, leading to a complex narrative involving family secrets, a serial killing spree, and Seon-ha becoming the ultimate target.

Performances: The series showcases Park Hee-soon in a leading role, embodying a mysterious hero with brilliance and nuance. However, Kim Hyun-joo's character lacks the expected mystery and depth, leaving viewers dissatisfied. Park Sung-hoon, despite a limited role, feels forced, lacking a compelling backstory. Park Byung-eun and Ryu Kyung-soo, while posing intriguing questions, have characters with potential for improvement. Kyung-soo's performance stands out, adding an unsettling quality to the crime series.

Script, Direction & Technical Aspects: The show evokes mixed reactions, with captivating atmospheres but a fading mystery allure. Influenced by Yeon Sang-ho's style, the series features dark locations, desperate characters, earthy tones, and a depiction of inhumane society. However, the thriller genre lacks action, emphasizing death instead. The script, co-authored by Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam, and Hwang Eun-young, reveals loose ends and fast-paced switches between scenarios. Despite a solid story, the series falters in maintaining momentum, requiring additional elements to elevate it.

Camera work and visuals excel, capturing landscapes with drone shots and enhancing suspense. Editing, though occasionally testing patience, has standout moments. The eerie music by Chae Min-joo and Kim Dong-wook effectively immerses viewers in the atmospheric tension and suspense.

Conclusion: While 'The Bequeathed' has strengths, including a stellar cast and atmospheric visuals, it falls short in script execution and pacing. Viewers seeking a suspenseful thriller may find some satisfaction, but the series does not fully realize its potential.