I don't know whether you've heard about this one, but just to give it a bit of much needed publicity, "Squid Game" is a Korean show on Netflix. I'm kidding of course, whereas I'd personally prefer to be the one to discover something whilst it's relatively unknown, I came to "Squid Game" when it was already a worldwide phenomenon. Usually, hype like this is followed by inevitable disappointment, but I really liked the show and was impressed at how deep and character driven it was.
Desperate for money, Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) agrees to partake is a mysterious game. Along with 499 other volunteers he is drugged and taken to an island and participates in various versions of children's games where the ultimate reward is an obscene amount of money, but the risk of failure is death. Between the games, alliances are formed and broken and the true nature of the competitors comes out.
As I say, what could be a cheap exploitation style show is elevated by so much work spent on investing in the characters - their backstories and motivations - as well as by the performers who do such a good job of playing them. All of the seven or so principle characters are excellent but it's Lee Jung-jae who is the lead and has the most transformative role. Gi-hun initially starts as a shady and unlikeable character, but one who's heart and kindness grow across the run until you can't help but love him.
The changing nature of the games can make for some heartbreaking moments, but it's the episode Gganbu, which is perhaps the most affecting hours of television that I've seen in a while.
Do I want a second season? Tough one. Personally rather than follow on the story from here, I'd rather find out more about The Frontman, what happened to him to get him to the point we find him.
A thrilling, tense and surprisingly emotional series. Well done.
