GrX Studio, a renowned production company known for its gripping crime thrillers like “Copycat Killer” and “The Victims’ Game,” is set to unveil its latest project at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF). Titled “The Ones I Killed and The Ones Who Killed Me,” this psychological crime drama is gearing up for a collaborative U.S.-Taiwan production.
Derived from Akira Higashiyama’s novel of the same name, the series delves into the story of a Taiwanese psychiatrist who finds himself embroiled in a series of U.S. serial killings spanning three decades. Each victim serves as a macabre message, forcing him to confront a haunting past he had long tried to bury.
Producer Lee Wen-yi and executive producer Tseng Han-hsien share with Variety that the inspiration for the series stemmed from the novel’s poignant portrayal of childhood friendship and the stark realities of adulthood. This emotional core serves as the foundation for their adaptation.
At the heart of the narrative are two childhood friends, Jason and Morris, who grew up amidst turbulent family dynamics and made a pact to be each other’s support system. Described as twin flames embodying light and shadow, they navigate through tragic circumstances that ultimately tear them apart, reversing their fates.
As adults, Jason finds himself aiding law enforcement as a psychiatrist, while Morris transforms into a serial killer who challenges societal notions of sanity. The producers emphasize that the mystery of the crimes lies not in identifying the killer, but in understanding the origins of evil itself. They question whether society, in its quest for survival, has extinguished the kindness within others’ souls, hinting at a broader social critique.
“The Ones I Killed and The Ones Who Killed Me” marks GrX Studio’s ongoing exploration of the crime-thriller genre, building upon the success of their previous works. With this project, they aim to deepen their psychological and moral inquiries while pushing creative boundaries even further.
The series will kick off with a murder in Los Angeles, unfolding through the perspective of the Taiwanese psychiatrist who reflects on his childhood in Taiwan. Filming is planned to take place in both the U.S. and Taiwan, with the team actively seeking international co-production partners at TCCF.
The project’s thematic relevance is underscored by the producers, who note the global rise in anti-immigration sentiments and the growing discourse on identity and belonging. Author Akira Higashiyama’s unique background, born in Taiwan and later relocating to Japan, offers a distinctive lens on how cultural influences shape individual identities.
Exploring the interconnectedness of good and evil as a means to examine concepts of belonging and otherness, the series promises a thought-provoking narrative. The producers highlight the mirroring relationship between an investigator and a suspect in a crime thriller, symbolizing the duality inherent in human nature.
With the script nearing completion, the production team aims to finalize it by the year’s end. Pre-production is scheduled for Q3 2026, with filming set to begin in Q1 2027. The creative lineup boasts executive producer Hank Tseng, recognized for his global perspective in developing culturally rich content, and producer Lee Wen-yi, known for crafting narratives that delve into human complexity and societal structures. The writing team comprises a diverse group of talents, each bringing their expertise in storytelling rooted in Taiwanese and American cultures.
GrX Studio, a multifaceted entity encompassing film and television production, talent management, IP development, and business strategy, has established a strong presence in the Asian market. With “The Ones I Killed and The Ones Who Killed Me,” the studio continues to push boundaries and deliver compelling content to audiences worldwide.
