🧠 Mouse (2021) — A Dark Dive into Human Nature
When I first watched “Mouse,” I didn’t expect it to hit so hard. This isn’t your average K-drama with predictable twists and emotional fluff — it’s a psychological thriller that asks one terrifying question: Can you predict a killer before they become one?
🌒 Story & Themes
The story revolves around Jung Ba-reum (Lee Seung-gi), a kind-hearted rookie cop, and Ko Moo-chi (Lee Hee-joon), a jaded detective who’s haunted by his past. Together, they hunt down a brutal serial killer, but the deeper they go, the more the lines blur between good and evil.
What really sets “Mouse” apart is its exploration of psychopathy, genetics, and morality. It’s not just a cat-and-mouse chase — it asks:
- Are psychopaths born or made?
- If we knew someone carried a “killer gene,” would it justify stopping them before they do anything wrong?
These aren’t easy questions, and the drama doesn’t serve easy answers. It keeps twisting your assumptions, making you doubt what you think you know about the characters.
🎭 Performances
Lee Seung-gi absolutely blew me away. You think you know where his character is going — but trust me, you don’t. His emotional range, from sweet and naive to something much darker, anchors the whole show.
Lee Hee-joon as Ko Moo-chi is the perfect counterweight: rough, damaged, yet fiercely determined. Together, they create a tension that crackles in every scene.
I also loved the supporting cast, especially Park Ju-hyun, who brings fire and vulnerability to her role as an amateur sleuth, and Kyung Soo-jin, whose calm presence balances out the chaos.
🔪 Plot & Pacing
Here’s where things get tricky: the plot is complex, sometimes too complex.
The show is packed with reveals, time jumps, false leads, and layered secrets — so you need to pay attention. If you like shows that reward sharp observation and emotional investment, you’ll be hooked. But if you want a light, easy binge, “Mouse” is probably not the one.
The second half, in particular, gets heavy with moral dilemmas and shocking character shifts. Some viewers found it overwhelming or even over-the-top — but personally, I appreciated the ambition, even when it stumbled.
🌍 Atmosphere & Style
Visually, “Mouse” has a dark, moody style that perfectly fits its grim subject matter. The soundtrack amps up the tension, and the use of flashbacks, memory sequences, and symbolic imagery adds layers to the experience.
It’s not flashy just for the sake of it — the style always serves the deeper story.
⭐ Final Verdict
✅ Who should watch it?
Fans of dark thrillers like Signal, Voice, or Stranger will love this. It’s a gripping, challenging drama that will make you think, guess, and question until the very end.
✅ Who might struggle?
Anyone expecting a standard crime procedural or a light psychological drama. This one leans hard into philosophy, ethical debates, and emotional trauma. It’s a slow burn with occasional shockwaves.
✅ Rating (my take):
🌟 8.8/10 — ambitious, haunting, and unforgettable, though a little overcomplicated at times.