'Squid game' is Netflix's newest hit show, by Hwang Dong-Hyuk. With Netflix stating that it may soon become the highest watched non-English show on Netflix, it's safe to say that the Korean miniseries has taken the world by storm.
Centered on the character Seong Gi-hun, the show's premise involves a competition for 45.6 billion won, but with a price... So, what makes it so great? This story is a lot more than just the initial gore and violence that many viewers first see. It makes you ask yourself “what would I do if I was in that situation?”. It constantly leaves you at the edge of your seat and wanting to know what happens next, making it an easy binge. Even though it's often predictable, Hwang is able to throw curveballs when least expected, and creates a show that, even in its predictability, still keeps you on your toes.
The marble game is the perfect example of this unpredictability, and definitely left many viewers with tears streaming down their faces. However, what this game is also effectively used for, especially through Sangwoo betraying Ali, is to make us think “well, what would you do if you were in his situation and your life was at stake?”. It paints the picture that not all things are black and white, but how there are so many layers of complexity to consider when judging anyone. I’m 100% not saying I liked Sangwoo, because he did have his infuriating moments, but Hwang used him, as well as the other relationships, in an interesting and unique way to express his ideas.
The cinematography was also very well done, with the game concepts being brought to life extremely well in the show. With sets that also genuinely instilled fear within the cast, like the glass game were they never knew when the tiles would drop out from under them, they were able to create a sense of realism, and hence brought the show’s acting to a new level.
'Squid Game' explores complex issues within our society. Based on the personal experiences of Hwang, ‘Squid Game’ addresses poverty, and the financial and emotional struggles of living, particularly in South Korea. I think one of the most important ideas we get out of this show is the thin line that separates the rich from the poor.
Many people dream of money and becoming rich, but this series highlights the fact that wealth isn’t everything we believe it to be and can actually do the opposite of what we believe it to do. Explained by Il-Nam, the creator of the game within the show, the poor and the rich both feel depression and loneliness and, as perfectly depicted by Gi-hun after he wins the prize money, expresses the idea that happiness is not something that can be bought.
But just like any other show, it did have its bad moments. The conclusion to some sub-plots were a complete anticlimaxes; often feeling rushed and missing something. The randomness of Il-Nam actually being alive, and then dying again, and also Gi-hun choosing to not visit his daughter, who was the person he went into the game for. Having watched this before season 2 was confirmed, it's definitely frustrating that the ending was left so unfinished. Maybe with the release of season 2, 'Squid Game' will be able to redeem the ending and tie up some loose ends.
So, is it worth the hype? Yes! Hopefully it'll act as a gateway for people to give K-Dramas and other types of content more of a serious look.
Writer's Bio: Estela is a first year studying a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. She's very into reading, whether it be novels or webtoons/manhwa, loves music, especially Kpop, and has been singing for most of her life. She's loved being part of the Blitz team.
