New Movies: Disorder (2025) by Tim Paugh: A Noir Thriller in Busan's Underworld

"Disorder" is a 2025 crime thriller film written and directed by Tim Paugh. Set in the gritty, neon-lit underworld of Busan, South Korea, the film follows Nick, a small-time drug dealer for the Russian mafia who finds himself in deep debt. Given one final, impossible chance to redeem himself, Nick must find a mysterious woman who is under the protection of the powerful Korean mafia. As he delves deeper into the city's dangerous criminal networks, haunted by strange dreams, Nick uncovers disturbing truths about his own past, making the quest a perilous journey of self-discovery and survival.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28534572/

About movie: https://wonderphil.biz/production/disorder

Link to watch: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Disorder-Tim-Paugh/dp/B0F4794DF6/ (UK)

Detailed Summary

"Disorder," released on May 9, 2025 (United States), is a 62-minute (1 hour and 2 minutes) crime thriller written and directed by Tim Paugh. The film plunges viewers into the dangerous and complex criminal underworld of Busan, South Korea, a setting that adds a unique international flavor to the noir genre.

The protagonist, Nick (played by Louis Chamoun), is a drug dealer working for a Russian gang in Busan. He finds himself in a desperate situation when his merchandise goes missing, leaving him heavily in debt to ruthless Russian gangsters. To avoid being killed, Nick is given a single, seemingly impossible task: he must locate a mysterious woman who is currently under the protection of the formidable Korean mafia.

As Nick navigates the treacherous landscape of Busan's criminal factions, his mission becomes more complicated by strange, haunting dreams of this elusive woman. Each clue he uncovers about her leads him to disturbing revelations, not just about the dangerous world he inhabits, but also about his own forgotten or suppressed past. The film builds an atmosphere of suspense and paranoia, drawing influences from directors like David Lynch, David Cronenberg, and Nicolas Winding Refn's "Pusher" trilogy, as described by its promoters.

"Disorder" was shot in areas frequented by actual Russian gangsters in Busan, aiming for an authentic and gritty feel. It features a diverse crew and a cast composed mostly of first-time actors, highlighting its independent production ethos. The film is a co-production between BuCu Production and No Soul Films, with an estimated budget of ₩15,000,000 (Korean Won). It is presented in black and white with an aspect ratio of 1.90:1, suggesting a deliberate aesthetic choice to enhance its noir atmosphere.

Plot Summary

• Debt and a Deadly Task: Nick, a drug dealer for the Russian mafia in Busan, loses his merchandise and incurs a massive debt. He's given one last chance to live: find a mysterious woman.

• Target: Korean Mafia: The woman Nick must find is under the protection of the powerful Korean mafia, making his task incredibly dangerous.

• Haunting Dreams and Clues: As Nick searches, he's plagued by strange dreams of the woman, and each new clue about her leads him deeper into the criminal underbelly.

• Revelations of the Past: The investigation unexpectedly uncovers disturbing truths about Nick's own history, intertwining his past with his present predicament.

• Fight for Survival: Nick's journey becomes a desperate fight for survival, as he navigates the ruthless world of international organized crime in Busan.

Director's Vision

Tim Paugh's vision for "Disorder" appears to be a raw, atmospheric, and character-driven crime thriller that combines elements of classic noir with a modern, international setting. His directorial approach is likely influenced by his stated inspirations:

• Gritty Realism: By shooting in locations frequented by actual gangsters and using mostly first-time actors, Paugh aims for an authentic and unvarnished portrayal of the criminal underworld.

• Neo-Noir Aesthetic: The choice of black and white cinematography and a 1.90:1 aspect ratio suggests a deliberate attempt to evoke the classic noir mood of shadows, moral ambiguity, and existential dread.

• Psychological Depth: Drawing from David Lynch, Paugh likely seeks to infuse the narrative with surreal, dream-like elements and to explore the protagonist's inner turmoil and fractured psyche.

• International Fusion: Setting the story in Busan, with Russian and Korean mafia elements, showcases a vision for a unique blend of cultures and criminal dynamics.

• Character-Centric Story: Despite the crime plot, the film appears to prioritize Nick's personal journey of self-discovery and his battle against external and internal demons.

Themes

• Debt and Redemption: The central conflict revolves around Nick's desperate attempt to pay off a debt and potentially redeem himself.

• Identity and Memory: The protagonist's fragmented memories and the mysterious woman's connection to his past drive a key thematic exploration of self and identity.

• Survival in the Underworld: The film depicts the brutal realities of living and operating within ruthless criminal organizations.

• Paranoia and Isolation: Nick's journey through the dangerous city highlights themes of pervasive suspicion and his increasing isolation.

• Fate and Free Will: The noir elements often imply a sense of inescapable fate, which Nick must confront.

Key Success Factors

• Unique Setting: The use of Busan, South Korea, as a backdrop for a Russian and Korean mafia story offers a fresh take on the crime thriller genre.

• Strong Genre Influences: Drawing from acclaimed directors like Lynch, Cronenberg, and Refn suggests a sophisticated and atmospheric approach to noir.

• Independent Vision: Tim Paugh's extensive involvement (writer, director, producer, possibly more) and the use of first-time actors often lead to authentic and distinctive films.

• Black and White Cinematography: This stylistic choice immediately sets a mood and can appeal to fans of classic and neo-noir.

• Tense, Concise Runtime: At just over an hour, the film promises a tight and impactful experience.

Production Summary

"Disorder" is a 62-minute (1 hour and 2 minutes) crime thriller film, produced in 2025. It is set in Busan, South Korea, and features Korean and Russian languages.

• Directed by: Tim Paugh

• Written by: Tim Paugh

• Cast:

  • Louis Chamoun as Nick

  • Raphael Galiulin

  • Kkotbunhong Huh

  • Anton Kolchemanov (listed on some sources)

• Producers: Tim Paugh, Eric Plese

• Production Companies: BuCu Production, No Soul Films

• Budget: ₩15,000,000 (estimated)

• Cinematography: Black and White, 1.90:1 Aspect Ratio

Production Companies

• BuCu Production

• No Soul Films

Sales Companies

Information on sales companies is not widely detailed, but Filmhub is listed as a studio on Prime Video.

Distribution Companies

• Prime Video (Amazon)

• Filmhub (Platform for independent film distribution)

Release date on streaming

"Disorder" was released on digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, on May 9, 2025.

Theatrical Release

"Disorder" did not have a wide theatrical release. It was released directly to digital platforms.

Why to recommend this movie

• For fans of gritty, atmospheric crime thrillers: It promises a raw and intense dive into a criminal underworld.

• Unique International Setting: The backdrop of Busan, South Korea, and the involvement of Russian and Korean mafias offer a fresh perspective.

• Neo-Noir Aesthetic: The black and white cinematography and dark themes appeal to lovers of classic and modern noir.

• Intriguing Psychological Elements: The inclusion of haunting dreams and a mystery tied to the protagonist's past adds depth beyond a typical crime plot.

• Independent Filmmaking: It's a compelling example of a singular vision from a director taking on multiple roles.

Why to Watch Movie

• If you enjoy films with a strong sense of place and atmosphere: Busan is central to the film's identity.

• For a character-driven noir: The focus on Nick's personal journey and self-discovery within the crime plot.

• If you appreciate films inspired by Lynch or Refn: Expect a moody, perhaps surreal, and visually distinct experience.

• To see an independent film push genre boundaries: It aims to blend crime, thriller, and psychological horror elements.

• For a concise, impactful story: At just over an hour, it promises a tight narrative.

Movie Trend

"Disorder" aligns with the trend of Atmospheric, Neo-Noir Crime Thrillers with International Settings. There's a growing appetite for genre films that move beyond traditional American or European settings, incorporating diverse cultures and languages to add new layers to classic tropes. Its independent nature and emphasis on psychological elements also place it within the trend of Auteur-Driven Indie Thrillers that prioritize mood and character over large budgets.

Social Trend

"Disorder" taps into the social trend of Exploration of Globalized Crime and Intersecting Cultures. As the world becomes more interconnected, films are increasingly depicting how criminal networks operate across borders and how diverse communities interact within these illicit spheres. The film's portrayal of Russian and Korean mafia elements in Busan reflects a contemporary fascination with the complexities of international organized crime and the blending of different cultural underworlds.

Final Verdict

"Disorder" is a promising and atmospheric neo-noir thriller that delivers a grim, immersive journey into the criminal underbelly of Busan, South Korea. Tim Paugh, taking on multiple key roles, crafts a distinct vision, leveraging black and white cinematography and a tight narrative to create a tense and psychologically charged experience. While its independent nature and possibly challenging narrative style may not be for everyone, fans of gritty, character-driven crime films with a strong sense of atmosphere and international flair will find "Disorder" a compelling and memorable watch. It's a testament to bold independent filmmaking that dares to explore dark themes and personal revelation within a dangerous world.