Netflix
South Korean actor Ju Ji-hoon is on a roll. Following the hit supernatural K-drama Light Shop (2024), the star fronts this medical series high on drama, action and comedy.
He plays Dr Baek Kang-hyuk, a brilliant trauma surgeon who honed his emergency skills in war zones. He plans to establish a top-tier trauma centre at the fictional Hankuk University Hospital in Seoul. Joining him on the mission is attending specialist Yang Jae-won (Choo Young-woo) and nurse Cheon Jang-mi (Ha Young). Together, the trio try to save as many lives as possible while fighting injustices along the way.
There are several over-the-top and hilarious moments. For instance, the gung-ho Dr Baek is seen zipping through a war zone, dodging explosions and “flying” cars. He then pilots a helicopter and jumps off it to save a patient.
But The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call’s creators clearly know what works: Put the handsome and charismatic Ju on the front line and let him take charge. His chemistry with Choo and Ha is excellent too.
The gripping eight-episode series has found fans around the world. It is Netflix’s No. 1 show on the streamer’s Global Top 10 Non-English Shows chart for the week of Jan 27 to Feb 2, dethroning the second season of popular K-thriller Squid Game (2021 to present).
Companion (M18)
97 minutes, now showing
★★★★☆
Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid in Companion. PHOTO: WBEI
This fiendish near-future thriller sees American actress Sophie Thatcher as Iris, a sexbot companion customised to satisfy Josh, played by American actor Jack Quaid. The couple are having a weekend getaway with Josh’s friends at a luxurious lakeside lodge. But things are not all idyllic when someone is murdered, which leads to a chase through the woods with US$12 million (S$16 million) at stake.
A feature debut by American writer-director Drew Hancock, Companion is a darkly hilarious, outrageously entertaining satire on the abusive relationships of entitled misogynists like Josh, who uses and manipulates his women.
Iris is no dummy – she evolves from self-discovery to a bloody fight for self-determination after gaining control of his mobile app.
The android is the most empathetic character in a punchy ensemble and Thatcher from the thriller series Yellowjackets (2021 to present) and Hugh Grant horror film Heretic (2024) is thrilling in the voltaic rage of Iris’ #MeToo revenge. – Whang Yee Ling
Love Hurts (NC16)
83 minutes, now showing
★★★☆☆
Ke Huy Quan (right) in Love Hurts. PHOTO: UIP
Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan) is a mild-mannered realtor with a flourishing business, but he hides a violent past. When notes from former accomplice and lover Rose (Ariana DeBose) appear, hinting at unfinished business, his life is overturned.
His brother Knuckles (Daniel Wu), head of a crime syndicate, hopes to find Marvin to deliver payback for a betrayal. Marvin must fend off Knuckles’ thugs and find closure with Rose, while maintaining his reputation as a pillar of the business community.
First-time director Jonathan “Jojo” Eusebio, a veteran stunt coordinator, pays homage to Hong Kong cinema. His camerawork places viewers in the middle of each fight, while his choreography perfectly balances realism with style.
Love Hurts marks Oscar winner Quan’s leading-man debut and he proves he is more than capable as an action lead, bringing both physical prowess and emotional depth to Marvin. – John Lui
Joanne Soh is a lifestyle correspondent at The Straits Times, with a special interest in entertainment and pop culture.
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