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Squid Game Review: A Dark, Twisted, & Emotional Series

Netflix’s Squid Game is an overnight sensation, and rightfully so. This series is completely captivating, twisted, and even emotional. 

squid game quotes

Squid Game is one of the best shows on Netflix right now, and quite possibly one of the best of the year. This series explores human nature and what people will do when they are backed into a corner. Put a whole lot of money on the line and folks will be willing to do just about anything to get it — especially those that are facing serious consequences from massive debt.

In Squid Game 456 players that are completely down on their luck are selected and brought to a remote island to play in a game. But not just any game. When they are eliminated from the game for breaking the rules or losing a round, elimination means death. 

The biggest thing for those that run the games is being fair and allowing each player to have an equal opportunity to win. This is clearly something they take pride in, even offering the chance to vote diplomatically to end the game should more than half the players wish to. When a police officer infiltrates the games, he slowly uncovers the deep dark secrets of those behind it.

Related: 50+ Squid Game Quotes That Are Bone-Chilling & Terrifying

squid game quotes

What Works With Squid Game

The best thing about Squid Games is how dark and twisted it is. If you like blood and gore like I do, you will be pleased with the amount they throw into the series. This is what makes certain moments so shocking — even if they are a bit predictable at times. 

It is so crazy to think that Squid Game takes fun children’s games and makes them absolutely terrifying. Never will I be able to look at games like Red Light, Green Light, Tog of War, and Marbles the same way — and I know I am not the only one. This was a brilliant move on the writers part. Taking things that are so carefree and meant to be a good time and just destroying them for viewers. 

squid game netflix

Even with bloody massacres and shocking twists happening every episode, there are some heartfelt emotional moments tin Squid Game as well. As the series goes on it is easy to become attached to some of the characters, especially those players that feel as if they have no choice at all to do what they are doing. While a lot of them go way too far, some of them sacrifice themselves for others, or are betrayed by the ones they thought had their back until the end. 

As for the scenery and the game settings, it feels bizarre to say that Squid Game is visually stunning. The use of bright colors and lighting was again, a very smart move on the creators part. This makes it a joy to watch, even as people are being brutally killed. Yes, I know how that sounds. 

squid game review

The story itself is completely captivating, and strangely feels completely believable. Desperate people will do just about anything, something that has been proven in real life time and time again. So to see it play out in a series on Netflix just gives me the chills. 

The acting in Squid Game is fantastic as well. Each and every actor allows viewers to hate, love, or love to hate their characters. So many of them feel relatable to us, even if they aren’t. A lot of this has to do with the writing as well. Watching in both original language with English subtitles, and English dubbed evoke emotion, but if you can handle subtitles go that route. It brings more of a depth to the show.

squid game quotes

What Doesn’t Work With Squid Game

There is really only one thing that can be called an issue with this show, even though it is easily forgivable. Squid Game is quite predictable. Less than halfway into the first episode it is clear what kind of game is really being played here, so while yes it is a shock to see people being mowed down by machine guns, it still doesn’t feel completely out of left field. 

As for the mystery of the front man, and who is behind it all, that feels easy to figure out as well. The identity of the front man is an easy one to guess and there are breadcrumbs laid out to show who is in charge of the game as well. These are sprinkled throughout the episodes and while it is still fun to see the reveal, it isn’t a complete shock. 

That being said, this series is still one that you will not be able to look away from. With just 8 episodes, it is an easy binge as well. 

Related: 25+ Squid Game Memes To Make Fans Laugh & Cry

squid game netflix

Overall Thoughts

Squid Games is completely captivating from the moment it starts right up until the second it end. Viewers will be sucked in from the start and will remain captivated as twists and turns come from around corner. As fans of the show fall in love with, and root for, different characters and players, it will be easy for them to have their heart broken as the story goes on.

After all, this is all about having one winner at the end of deadly games, so don’t get too attached to anyone in particular. Have tissues handy for episode 6. That one is a tear jerker.

As for the ending, while it is on the predictable side, it is also exciting. Why? Well, it ends completely open, with a set up for a season 2. Fans are already speculating what could happen and where the story could go from here. 

Want more Squid Game? Be sure to check out my other Squid Game coverage!

squid game poster

About Squid Game

A mysterious invitation to join the game is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. 456 participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games in order to win 45.6 billion won. Every game is a Korean traditional children’s game such as Red Light, Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death. Who will be the winner, and what is the purpose behind this game?

Squid Game is on Netflix now!