Light Shop review: A fresh take on horror, but a disturbingly slow pace
Park Bo-young and Uhm Tae-goo’s highly anticipated Light Shop is moving slowly. The show is currently streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar. Read our full review of the show here.
The highly anticipated psychological drama, Light Shop, starring Joo Ji-hoon (Love Your Enemy), Park Bo-young (Doom at Your Service), and Uhm Tae-goo (My Sweet Mobster). Adapted from Kang Ful’s webtoon, Shop of the Lamp, the show is directed by Kim Hee-won and written by Kang Ful (also behind the hit Moving). The series combines supernatural elements, psychological drama and horror in a way that is impressive as well as disturbing.
The premise of Light Shop revolves around a mysterious light shop located in a dark alley, run by the mysterious Jang Won-yong (played by Joo Ji-hoon). The shop becomes the focal point for a diverse group of individuals, each of whom suffers emotional trauma. These characters, searching for solace or answers, are inexplicably drawn to the shop where strange events begin to unfold. The show explores the psychological effects of his past while gradually uncovering the sinister nature of the shop.
The show is slow moving, not relying heavily on jump scares but instead building tension through atmosphere, sound, and visuals. The early episodes feature strange and mysterious occurrences within the Light Shop, with unsettling cinematic moments that heighten the tension. Although not scary to begin with, Light Shop creates a creeping dread that lingers, keeping you hooked.
Joo Ji-hoon suits the role perfectly as a reserved and protective shopkeeper. His presence on screen adds a mysterious quality that holds the story together. Uhm Tae-goo’s portrayal of a character forced to face the side effects of helping others is intense, and Park Bo-young gives a smooth and charming performance as a nurse who begins to notice strange phenomena. Which no one else can see.
Kim Min-ha’s role as Yoon Seon Hye, a carefree tenant in a strange neighborhood, adds another layer of mystery. The mystery behind the characters meshes well with the mystery surrounding the light shop. However, despite their strong performances, the sheer number of characters and the lack of clear explanation at the beginning (4 episodes in) is definitely a turn-off. Too many cooks (in this case, layers) spoil the broth, eh!
In terms of production, Light Shop excels in its eerie visuals and sound design. The dark and brooding atmosphere is complemented by a haunting score that enhances the unsettling tone of the show. The art direction and set design of Light Shop itself is impressive, adding to the feeling of an otherworldly place.
The show offers a fresh take on the horror genre, relying on tension and atmosphere rather than traditional scares. The Light Shop is definitely worth a visit – but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Review is based on the first 4 episodes. It is available on Disney+Hotstar.