Why Everyone is Talking About Squid Game?
By Xander Townsend | Misfit Media Editor
Generally speaking, I have always been interested in the Netflix originals, no matter how much they get shoved down your throat. Conceptually, they are always pretty enticing, sometimes unique, and Squid Game is certainly no acceptation to that. The South Korean survival drama series, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, has received an impressive 100% critic on rotten tomatoes (currently). Now I know you have probably already watched it, but I would like to give you some reasons as to why you should invest in the 9, almost hour long episodes.
There are many themes I could talk about including immigration, obsession with gameshows, the wealth gap, materialism, money vs wellbeing, entertainment media, even the foster care system, but I would like to talk about the newly popular theme of ethical dilemmas.
Ethics is obviously a very prominent theme within the series and I would say it is tacked horrifically realistically. I appreciated that it enabled its characters space to showcase different ethical and moral codes, depending on what was at stake and who it would effect. You could comfortably say that every character in the series had genuine backgrounds and stories that were clearly influencing their ethical choices, and I appreciate how such care was taken in developing them.
One thing I really respect the series for doing is not making the main character morally and ethically virtuous. Most main characters are trying to convince you to side with them as they are the "good guy" or they are relatable. I'm sure this main character is relatable, but more so in the ways he is flawed. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly wouldn't label him a villain or inherently abhorrent, but I would describe him as accurately human. I found myself routing for characters that weren't the main protagonist, which I inherently appreciated.
Another aspect I really respect about the series is that even though it is clearly a visually horrific series, there are many elements that aren't innately physically horrific that still compete with the more gruesome elements of the series. The way in people in complete financial disarray are portrayed, especially with regards to their desperation, can showcase some of the most horrific elements of the series, yet not a single drop of blood had to be shown. I appreciated that the horror of the series was consistent, without utilising the same method of delivery every time. It also showcased the more realistic side of things, playing on fears I'm sure every day people have. Sometimes the most horrific scenes are showcased on a completely conceptual playing field.
Squid game is definitely worth investing in, even though I'm sure you would be hard pressed to find someone who would tell you different. It is extremely popular, but there is a reason why.