The Judge from Hell review: Park Shin-hye's powerful act is unmissable

The Heirs star Park Shin-hye is back with a brand-new drama, The Judge from Hell. Blending legal and fantastical aspects, the show promises to be an entertaining watch. Read our complete review here.

In Short

• Park Shin-hye stars in new K-drama 'The Judge from Hell'
• She plays a demon-possessed judge on a mission to punish criminals
• It is currently streaming on Disney + Hotstar

If you are going through a K-drama slump and looking for some escapist entertainment, Park Shin-hye's The Judge from Hell could be your pick of the week. Written by Jo Yi-soo and directed by Park Jin-pyo, this fantasy thriller K-drama also stars Kim Jae-young in the lead role.

Shin-hye plays Kang Bit-na [a judge possessed by a demon, judge Justitia from Hell]. She is on a mission to punish at least 20 criminals who continue to live without remorse and repenting. In the process, she meets Han Do-na [Kim Jae-young], a sharp young detective who unexpectedly helps Bit-na in her mission. Together, the two work to get justice in their quirky way.

The story and screenplay get you hooked from the first 15 minutes itself. There is something funny yet novel about a judge from hell forcibly sent on a mission to correct the course. Bringing a sense of cockiness to that character, you see Bit-na enter with a can of coke, slurping away while the court is in session. She doesn't follow rules in court, but outside of it, she is quite the taskmaster.

A few episodes in and one can safely say that Shin-hye is playing one of the most fun characters that has come to her in a long time. As Bit-na, she gets to use her acting prowess to showcase the character's unpredictability, which is so refreshing and entertaining to watch. There is a sense of nonchalance yet urgency in her approach to a legal system which is part meta and part satire. Backed by good writing, Park Shin-hye is able to stand out and play more than just a damsel in distress.

On the other hand, Jae-young as Do-na adds the right kind of support to the story. His curiosity about Bit-na and a personal tragedy is enough for you to be interested in his journey, beyond his camaraderie with the lead. Also, his brewing chemistry with Shin-hye is quite a hit already. There is an element of freshness in their onscreen bond which is working well so far.

The show also benefits from its credible supporting characters. With just four episodes out, one can expect a lot more to unravel in the coming episodes. So, if you are looking for a K-drama that makes you sit on the edge of your seat, but also tickles your funny bones, The Judge from Hell is a must-watch.

The show is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India.