by Sebastian Gordon

Squid Games is a new Korean drama/thriller/action fiction that was released to Netflix on September 17th, 2021. The director of Squid Games, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has directed many other hits.

These include: Our Sad Life, A Puff of Smoke, Heaven & Hell, Desperation, Miracle Mile, My Father, Silenced (film), Miss Granny, and The Fortress (2017 film). He has also worked on films like I Love Ultra Lotto, Big Time, Truck Stop Diner, and Collectors (film). 

The story of Squid Games revolves around hundreds of contestants who accept an invitation to compete in a series of children’s games for a large cash prize. 

However, the competition turned into a series of death matches where the participants were forced to kill each other. The program included; Red Light/Green Light, Tug-of-War, Dalgona Candy, Glass Stepping Stones, and Squid Game. 

Players were slowly weeded out with more money added after each player’s elimination. Ultimately, one victor stands at the end and has the money directly distributed into their account. But the question stands: was it worth the cost?

The concept of this show is pretty simple, but as more backstory is told about the characters, watchers end up getting attached. The themes of greed, control, survival instinct, authority, and trauma are constantly addressed and truly make you think. 

Squid Games earned 92% on Rotten Tomatoes,an incredibly high score for Netflix, with their usual average being around 64%.

Squid Games also earned an 8.2/10 on IMDb. It has even been ranked #1 on Netflix’s popular shows in 90 countries. 

“The South Korean TV sensation taps into the universal apprehensions of pressing debt, strained family relations, and the longing for a better life,” comments Eddie Cockrell from The Australian. 

Kira Juchno writes, “Kudos to the creators because this show hits on key fundamental aspects that are overlooked in society. Not only does this show keep you hooked, but it has also made me sit back and ponder on societal interactions as a whole. With all of the negative feelings that circulate in our world today, this show is most certainly worth the time and has been the most impactful one I’ve seen to date.” 

An online user describes the series as “ A true social commentary on humanity, competition, and avarice.” The acting, scenery, cinematography, and plot helped create a wonderful production. 

I’d definitely recommend it, and you can judge for yourself whether it is “worth the hype.” Overall, I’d give Squid Games an 8/10.