Entertainment
Why Is Everyone Buzzing About ‘Squid Game’?
by Samantha Green
Updated: Oct. 7, 2021
Originally Published: Oct. 7, 2021
Living in a house full of teens means that whenever a thrilling new show drops, I can’t escape the chatter. While I usually gravitate towards romantic comedies and Hallmark films to keep my life drama-free, I decided to give in when my kids invited me to watch a show with them. It’s a rare occasion that they want to spend time with me, and I like to stay somewhat in the loop about what they’re watching.
By the time we finally tuned into Squid Game (just two days ago), my kids informed me that it was already considered “old news.” They settled in, ready for a marathon viewing session (this was my daughter’s second time watching it, by the way).
This series has quickly ascended to become one of Netflix’s biggest hits, on track to break records. A quick note: my daughter insists that the original Korean version with subtitles far surpasses the English dubbed version. As someone who typically avoids subtitles, I have to admit she was right. Even though I started watching the English version, I soon lost track of the subtitles because the story was so engaging.
The Korean drama, which was once dismissed for being “too unrealistic and grotesque,” explores themes of money, greed, inequality, and mortality. Without giving too much away, the plot revolves around adults who are “recruited” based on their financial struggles. Desperate individuals are approached by strangers who invite them to play seemingly simple games, with the promise of winning a life-changing sum of money (around $40 million). However, the stakes are deadly.
One major reason for the show’s popularity is its use of familiar childhood games. My son pointed out that it features adults in dire situations playing games like Red Light-Green Light and Tug of War, where failure leads to death. This premise has sparked a wave of TikTok videos recreating these games, and now everyone seems to want a Squid Game costume for Halloween.
While this genre isn’t typically my cup of tea, I found myself hooked. Watching how far desperate characters will go for money is strangely captivating. Many of the players have anxious personalities, which kept me on edge. I found myself reminding to relax, as I was merely a spectator, not a participant in this fictional world.
Additionally, the backstory of the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, adds to its appeal. He conceived the idea over a decade ago while facing personal hardships, even selling his laptop for cash at one point. His perseverance is inspiring and serves as a reminder to chase our dreams.
The show also resonates with viewers by addressing social inequalities that have become increasingly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you enjoy dramatic narratives and don’t mind some graphic content, I highly recommend giving Squid Game a try. Even if you’re hesitant, you may find it surprisingly engaging, and at the very least, you’ll have something to discuss since it’s become such a cultural phenomenon.
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Summary:
Squid Game has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its intense portrayal of desperation and the lengths people will go for money. Based on childhood games, it explores deep themes of inequality and societal issues, making it a significant conversation starter. Whether you’re typically a fan of the genre or not, it’s worth checking out for the cultural relevance alone.