Squid Game is the new Korean TV sensation that hit Netflix, and I have to say, I was hesitant to watch at first. Not only did the premise sound a little similar to other films and shows, but I've found that a lot of top shows on Netflix are more able to execute strong marketing to target audiences than produce genuinely good stories - the Witcher for one (while not a bad show per say, it relied a lot on an already popular property with a well known Hollywood actor to carry it, making it a sure success despite its shortcomings). So, after finally being persuaded to watch it by my brother, what did I think? Is it worth the watch, or is it overhyped?
The show follows Seong Gi-Hun, a clueless divorced father living off his elderly mother, who tries in vain to pay off his debts and provide for himself and his family, when he is offered the chance to compete in a series of children's games for large amounts of money. However, things take a turn for the worse when he discovers the deadly nature of the games, and must compete against others with their own reasons for the money in a bid not just for the cash prize, but their very survival.
The idea of people competing in deadly games isn't a new one - just look at any YA novel or horror franchise, and you're bound to find something like it. However, the way that Squid Game executes this concept is genius, bringing this deadly action with a disturbingly whimsical setting, likeable and realistic characters and a constant sense of dread and tension as you, like the players, have no idea what the next game will be, creating a unique viewing experience. The closest thing I could think of to describe it would be a gory, adult version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, where instead of immoral kids getting their just desserts, guilty and innocent people alike are brutally killed for losing.
Speaking of which, there is something oddly nostalgic about it, with many games that audiences will remember playing as children (along with ones that I as a British viewer have never heard of, instead learning a little Korean culture), and the time between games spent with groups of new friends in groups and forts, giving a sense of comradery between them.
What I found strange watching it is how all the characters are well developed, putting a variety of people with their own relatable qualities and flaws together, and seeing how their relationships with each other change through increasingly escalating circumstances. Will they ally themselves together for survival, or betray new friends for their own survival? Will these seemingly ordinary people consider doing the unthinkable to each other to live just a little longer, or will their consciences give way and lead them to be generous, at risk of being exploited by more ruthless opponents?
This dynamic has created what I believe to be some of the most emotionally engaging and compelling television I've seen in years, going from action, levity, heart-warming bonds and heart-breaking developments, making even me misty-eyed.
There is some quite interesting social commentary as well, such as poverty, debt and the desperation that people have to get out of it, the choice between self-preservation and sacrifice in times of crisis, the morality of things like reality shows and the effects they have on the participants, and the exploitation of people in vulnerable situations for ideology and entertainment. None of it feels too preachy or heavy handed, simply alluding to them within this fictional context without really laying the blame on anyone. After all, not all of the players are mere victims of circumstance - Gi-hun and many others were there as a result of their own bad decisions (getting into debt, gambling or poor financial choices), and as much as the show makes us root for them to succeed, it doesn't let us forget that.
In terms of downsides, there really isn't much. Everything involving the players of the games and their struggles are essentially perfect, but some of the storylines that run alongside them can detract from the main conflict inside them, removing a sense of isolation that could have made relating to the Gi-hun and the other competitors even better and confusing the plot with hidden philosophies, ulterior motives and plot twists that weren't fully expanded on or entirely necessary. However, these are fairly minor issues, since they provide a different perspective on the faceless organisers of the games and a new mystery for the audience to ponder on alongside the main action, even if it is slightly less strong.
My only other gripe is how, while the punishment for failure is death, the rules of each game are meant to be fair - that is made clear early on. Sometimes I felt this wasn't the case, turning it into a game of luck as much as skill or strength, and making the ideologies of the organisers muddled and unclear. Admittedly this didn't happen too often, but when it does it becomes a bit of a narrative inconsistency - that being said, whenever I brought this up with others who have seen the show, it doesn't seem to bother them, so it might just be me nit-picking.
This is certainly worth watching for all the reasons I mentioned above, along with a thousand more, and with a perfect episode count of nine, it never feels dragged out or slow. This one gets an almost perfect 9.5 out of 10 for me. As for a spoiler review, well I'll have to save that for another time, considering just how many twists and turns there are to unpick.
Have you seen Squid Game yet? If you have, what did you think of it? Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments, and I'll see you for the next one.
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A spoiler discussion on Squid Game, and Doctor Who season 1.
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