MANILA, Philippines — Barely a week since its highly-anticipated nine-episode drop on Netflix, Korean series, Squid Game–a suspenseful story following hundreds (456 in total) of cash-strapped individuals get an intriguing invitation to join a mysterious series of children’s games. The players accept the challenge in hopes of winning the large cash prize, but with big rewards come risky, unforeseen costs. If the premise alone intrigues you, we rounded up some of the biggest reasons why the series is bound to become your next favorite (if it isn’t already).
1. A Creative Powerhouse
The creator of Squid Game is director Hwang Dong-hyuk who is well known for his award-winning films like Silenced, Miss Granny, and The Fortress. His body of work has never failed to impress no matter the genre, and his dedication to Squid Game is evinced by the fact that the series has been in the works for over 10 years. In addition to the creator, talented and well-known actors Lee Jung-jae and Park Hae-soo lead the cast. Both are award-winning actors who are able to portray a wide range of characters. With Lee Jung-jae who has numerous box office hits under his belt and Park Hae-soo who continues to impress with every new role, the best director and the best talent meet through Squid Game.
2. A Risky Game of Survival
With a premise revealed early on, we know it’s impossible for all 456 players to survive and win the prize, but the suspense of who will get “eliminated” next and how creates an eerie, hair-raising atmosphere full of tension and terror. While the players initially have no clue about the deadly stakes, they find out after the first game. The difference in how these players willingly partake in the games marks a stark difference with other survival genre films and series. You’ll get absorbed into the story as we unravel the complexities and the dark side of human nature. The unpredictable events, complemented by the masterful storytelling, ultimately contribute to the heart-pounding entertainment as we anticipate what will happen to everyone.
3. Childhood Games Unlike Any Other
The games that the participants must play to survive are all likened to childhood games, but with the larger-than-life execution and with deadly stakes. The juxtaposition of these games with the deadly results of losing is a stark contrast to the innocence and fun experienced during childhood. Many of the games are familiar ones we’ve played before (or at least the Korean versions of them from what we know as kids) like Red Light, Green Light. You might also learn more about some classic Korean children’s games. The relatability to the simple but fatal games adds a nice and unexpected twist in comparison to other survival genre shows. You’ll be able to reminisce about your favorite childhood games as you watch the players battle it out for money and for their lives.
4. Anything but skin-deep
On the surface, Squid Game revolves around a plot we haven’t seen in the past. A bunch of interesting characters cooped up in one challenging milieu may not necessarily be a “new” take. However, the series is actually a genius allegory to contemporary society and the never ending competition hinged over capitalism. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s creative vision uncorks the irony of how the good intentions of capitalism meant to help people live well and prosper can actually harm humans and result in brutal competition. Squid Game gives us a strong, hard look at human nature and how everyone reacts in situations where you cannot trust anyone. There’s plenty of symbolism and deeper connections to appreciate.
5. Everyday People with Extraordinary Stories
With an extremely talented cast of actors portraying the various players and individuals in the series, each of them have their own unique, desperate situations that lead them to get involved in the dangerous games. From gambling debt to provide for their families, these characters come from all walks of life. Many of them experience an inward struggle as they come to realize that their opponents need to die in order for themselves to win the game. While we see them come to terms with this, we get further immersed in their individual stories and how each of these stories resonate with us all.
Don’t count on us on this list and watch Squid Game now streaming on Netflix. Revisit the full trailer below: