Squid Game (2021) And Why It Is The Most Popular Show On Netflix

South Korea hit series Squid Games has burst into the global entertainment stage in an explosive manner, producing a sling of tv shows and movies that end up having a wide range of appeal across the entire world. Their latest Netflix outing, Squid Games, is no different and within days of release, has become the talk of the entire town.

The premise here is simple yet deadly. A group of desperate people is chosen to take part in a series of challenges that on the surface seem like a children’s game but hide something sinister and deadly. As the bodies start to drop and the contestants become desperate, it becomes clear that the people behind the competition have a very sinister plan.

Squid Games is Netflix’s first Korean hit

Netflix has been experimenting a lot with their content in different languages and after a sling of Korean co-productions, have finally found a winner. The immense popularity of the series is part due to its strange premise and part due to how appealing the story is. Desperate people doing everything they can to win a cash prize that would change their lives in an instant is always a great draw and kudos to the makers for making a highly potent story out of this idea.

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The acting is fantastic all-around but Jung Hoyeon and Wi Ha-Joon shine in particular. The direction keeps things moving at a breakneck pace and the action does not let up once it’s revved up. The music is fantastic as well, adding a distinct feel to the story. All in all, every technical aspect works in tandem with the story, elevating the overall experience. 

What does ‘Squid Game’ take inspiration from?

Viewers and critics have described the series as Battle Royale meets The Hunger Games. In both these franchises, a series of contestants compete and fight to the death against each other in the hopes of attaining a prize. Although Squid Game does indeed have a similar premise, the series goes in a very different direction as compared to the two franchises mentioned.

In the end, Squid Game is not the instant classic that many on the hype train would have you suggest. It becomes pretty formulaic at times but is still thoroughly entertaining through and through. The series manages to hold the attention of its audience throughout the entire 9 episodes and pays homage to several board games and movies that make the entire premise even better. Therefore, go out and clear up your schedule to watch this series before someone spoils the ending for you.