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Un-su Kim’s ‘The Plotters’ is a Fast-Paced, Cinematic Novel

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The Plotters by Un-Su Kim

In Un-Su Kim’s debut novel, The Plotters, he envisions a Korea run behind-the-scenes by guilds of assassins creating a political climate that would make Jason Bourne’s head spin.

The book opens as Reseng, a young assassin stakes out his latest target, sizing the seemingly harmless old man up, taking stock of how he lives. When the old man invites Reseng to sit with him in his home and eat his food, the younger man agrees.

He stays the night, enjoying the man’s hospitality, and in the morning treks back to his vantage point, waiting for just the right moment before finally killing the old man at his leisure.

Reseng is very good at his job, but not always at following his instructions to the letter. He was instructed to bring back the body intact, but instead, he takes him to Bear, a man who runs a pet cremation services and also gets rid of human bodies for various assassins for a little extra income.

Well…he has daughters to put through college, after all.

This is not the first time Reseng has failed to follow his instructions to the letter, but little does he know the events he will set in motion with this particular failure.

In the highest echelon of the guilds, live the plotters. They meticulously plan each step of an assassination. They decide where, how, and what is to be done with the body afterward.

No one knows who they are. No one even knows how many of them there are, and some believe they are only legends. One thing is certain, however: They do not like to be disobeyed.

Un-su Kim’s tension-filled, fast-paced prose, translated into English by Sora-Kim Russell, quickly draws the reader into the world he has created. It’s as though he takes us by the hand and leads us, running, from start to finish.

Complex plotlines merge in unexpected places; characters introduced halfway through the narrative become some of the most important. The central character’s backstory is kept fresh by revealing just the right information at the right time.

Kim makes each step seem like a living, breathing moment that the reader is experiencing through his anti-hero’s eyes. You can feel the explosion of bullets around you, hear the sound of steel blades leaving their sheaths, and smell the smoke of Bear’s crematorium.

In fact, as I read I found myself aching for Reseng’s loneliness one minute and chastising his rash decisions the next as though he were sitting next to me relating the story in his own words.

It is the mark of great storytelling, and Mr. Kim has all the marks of a master storyteller.

The Plotters is available in the U.S. and Canada on January 29, 2019. Pick up a copy, immerse yourself in Un-su Kim’s world, but keep a handkerchief handy to wipe the blood-splatter from your face.

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First Look: On Set of ‘Welcome to Derry’ & Interview with Andy Muschietti

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Rising from the sewers, drag performer and horror movie enthusiast The Real Elvirus took her fans behind the scenes of the MAX series Welcome to Derry in an exclusive hot-set tour. The show is scheduled to release sometime in 2025, but a firm date has not been set.

Filming is taking place in Canada in Port Hope, a stand-in for the fictional New England town of Derry located within the Stephen King universe. The sleepy location has been transformed into a township from the 1960s.

Welcome to Derry is the prequel series to director Andrew Muschietti’s two-part adaptation of King’s It. The series is interesting in that it’s not only about It, but all the people who live in Derry — which includes some iconic characters from the King ouvre.

Elvirus, dressed as Pennywise, tours the hot set, careful not to reveal any spoilers, and speaks with Muschietti himself, who reveals exactly how to pronounce his name: Moose-Key-etti.

The comical drag queen was given an all-access pass to the location and uses that privilege to explore props, facades and interview crew members. It’s also revealed that a second season is already greenlit.

Take a look below and let us know what you think. And are you looking forward to the MAX series Welcome to Derry?

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New Trailer For This Year’s Nauseating ‘In a Violent Nature’ Drops

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We recently ran a story about how one audience member who watched In a Violent Nature became sick and puked. That tracks, especially if you read the reviews after its premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where one critic from USA Today said it had “The gnarliest kills I’ve ever seen.”

What makes this slasher unique is that it’s mostly viewed from the killer’s perspective which may be a factor in why one audience member tossed their cookies during a recent screening at Chicago Critics Film Fest.

Those of you with strong stomachs can watch the movie upon its limited release in theaters on May 31. Those who want to be closer to their own john can wait until it releases on Shudder sometime after.

For now, take a look at the newest trailer below:

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James McAvoy Leads a Stellar Cast in the New Psychological Thriller “Control”

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James McAvoy

James McAvoy is back in action, this time in the psychological thriller “Control”. Known for his ability to elevate any film, McAvoy’s latest role promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Production is now underway, a joint effort between Studiocanal and The Picture Company, with filming taking place in Berlin at Studio Babelsberg.

“Control” is inspired by a podcast by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie and features McAvoy as Doctor Conway, a man who wakes up one day to the sound of a voice that begins to command him with chilling demands. The voice challenges his grip on reality, pushing him towards extreme actions. Julianne Moore joins McAvoy, playing a key, enigmatic character in Conway’s story.

Clockwise From Top L-R: Sarah Bolger, Nick Mohammed, Jenna Coleman, Rudi Dharmalingam, Kyle Soller, August Diehl and Martina Gedeck

The ensemble cast also includes talented actors such as Sarah Bolger, Nick Mohammed, Jenna Coleman, Rudi Dharmalingam, Kyle Soller, August Diehl, and Martina Gedeck. They’re directed by Robert Schwentke, known for the action-comedy “Red,” who brings his distinctive style to this thriller.

Besides “Control,” McAvoy fans can catch him in the horror remake “Speak No Evil,” set for a September 13 release. The film, also featuring Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy, follows an American family whose dream holiday turns into a nightmare.

With James McAvoy in a leading role, “Control” is poised to be a standout thriller. Its intriguing premise, coupled with a stellar cast, makes it one to keep on your radar.

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