Miina McCown/The Broadside
Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, The Witcher… it’s no surprise that Netflix has the powerful budget and abilities to create some of the most memorable TV shows of the decade. And with their brand new South Korean series Squid Game, Netflix has outdone themselves again, sparking conversations all around the world with the series’ astounding popularity. It has even become Netflix’s biggest show in its debut, according to CNN, and that it holds the number one spot on the Netflix Top 10 lists in 94 countries.
If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ve probably at least heard of it. And if you’re still debating on whether or not you should give it a chance, keep reading. Including elements from the Hunger Games, Saw and Battle Royale, nine-episode Squid Game takes an interesting approach to the niche death game genre. Hundreds of people in debt agree to compete to win an enormous cash prize, but the catch is that they must undergo dangerous trials disguised as simple children’s games.
While there are many disturbing and jarring moments throughout the show, to the core, it is a thriller. Plot twists are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, and you may find yourself pondering questions of morality and ethical motives behind the dystopian world and desperate characters within it.
From a cinematic standpoint, Squid Game does an incredible job with its color choices and themes, establishing striking pinks and greens from the beginning to separate the players from their guards, following this with many unique stylistic choices that shape the gripping amalgamation of the cruel adult world and childhood nostalgia.
While Squid Game has been loved by many and will only continue to grow in popularity, it might not be the best for those who are squeamish when it comes to gore and bodily ailments. However, it’s always nice to keep an open mind to new genres and media that you might not usually lean towards.
If you haven’t yet stepped foot into the fascinating dystopian game genre, Squid Game is a well-made thriller and a great place to start. Although there are some stereotypical characters, the plot itself is fast-paced and unpredictable. Thorough backstories were developed not only for the contestants, but for those running the games. Overall, it is an enthralling ride full of twists and turns that anyone looking for a modern show would enjoy.