Squid Game

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 17, 2021
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 174 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 121 out of 174
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 174
  3. Negative: 32 out of 174

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  1. AngryShark92
    Oct 17, 2021
    5
    Squid Game is entertaining, it is engaging, and has some good themes here and there about human nature and the value we place on human life. Unfortunately, the show is ruined by issues with its pace, its over the top caricatures, its fumbled messaging, and its inability to wrap up a sub-plot.

    My introduction to this show was rather good, people down on their luck convince themselves to    Squid Game is entertaining, it is engaging, and has some good themes here and there about human nature and the value we place on human life. Unfortunately, the show is ruined by issues with its pace, its over the top caricatures, its fumbled messaging, and its inability to wrap up a sub-plot.

    My introduction to this show was rather good, people down on their luck convince themselves to gamble away their lives for the ultimate payout because that potential outcome is better than what their real lives could ever produce. It is an interesting, albeit unoriginal, concept that can hook you in for those first hours. The games are life or death, there's high stakes for everyone involved, and the character development begins to provide context for why they have ended up in this situation and lead to some very nice and touching moments throughout the moments.

    Then the showrunners decided to stretch out the run time with lots of useless dialogue for buildups that did not payout at all. I do not want to ruin it here so I'll just say that some character relationships are superior to others. Then they decided to give us a terrible bathroom scene with one of the most annoying characters I have ever seen which completely shifts the attitude of the series, only to jarringly rip you back to where it was before by throwing in a strobe light "battle scene" that was poorly shot to say the least. Cinematography was all over the place.

    When it comes to the stereotypical American fat-cats, this show made me laugh, both in a good way, and a bit of a cringey bad way. They managed to find some of the worst American actors ever to blurt out obvious nonsense that will make anybody in North America cringe. I will give them credit too though because if there were any activities bored billionaires would take part in, well this show definitely hit the nail on the head unfortunately.

    Its political messaging is a bit of a failure to me. This was obviously meant to be a "capitalism bad" "equality good" type of theme, but it helps if the director knew anything about capitalism and did not conflate it with corruption or crony corporatism. If anything, this seemed like more of an indictment or satirical take on communism seeing as deviating from the norm (equality) can prove to be deadly in this context, and the ultimate goal of the game is for one person to attain all of the consolidated wealth from their fellow contestants that started out on equal footing. Corruption within a system such as Capitalism is what has lead to the wealth inequality here, not the ability to have financial mobility in a free/mixed economy. Bit of a failed attempt there, but I appreciated the corruption themes nonetheless.

    I have seen quite a few complaints about the "over the top" violence, and I can safely say that this is just par for the course when it comes to R-rated or Unrated Korean productions, so I am not really sure where this became a surprise?

    My biggest issue with this show and reason for the massive deduction is that it is entirely predictable. There was a small unexpected twist at the end that, in my mind, makes absolutely no sense considering character motives/choices, but everything else in this show was easily predictable. Also, the over-arching plot is not very original, way too reminiscent of The Hunger Games and other titles in the survival/arena genre.

    + Good concept
    + Shock value
    + Some great character moments
    + Some good themes (gambling & self-consumption)
    + Arena & game design sets were brilliant

    - Some awful characters
    - Way too many cliches
    - Over the top caricatures
    - Hampered by pacing issues
    - Big missed opportunity with sub plot
    - Unoriginal plot
    - Fumbled political themes
    - Character motivations all over the place
    - Drawn out finale

    All in all, not bad if you're a fan of the genre, or Korean-produced thrillers. For most people though, this seems to be another victim of an over-hyped Netflix series, one that pushed my expectations way up into the air, only to land flat on its tentacles with disappointment.    … Expand
  2. lipino
    Oct 18, 2021
    2
    I knew a lot of people would die in this show, I just didn't think it happen in such a stupid way. Just don't pretend this has some anti-capitalism, anti-violence message. Just admit it satisfies violent, greedy urges. It scratches that itch. You like it. I’m not squeamish or “faint of heart,” I’m just tired of modern filmmaking being this gloomy, gaudy mess of misanthropic misery porn.I knew a lot of people would die in this show, I just didn't think it happen in such a stupid way. Just don't pretend this has some anti-capitalism, anti-violence message. Just admit it satisfies violent, greedy urges. It scratches that itch. You like it. I’m not squeamish or “faint of heart,” I’m just tired of modern filmmaking being this gloomy, gaudy mess of misanthropic misery porn. Every new show I try to watch is just more of the same. Is no one making hopeful art anymore?… Expand
  3. r_nieri
    Oct 17, 2021
    1
    Feels like something made from Korea's Neil Breen. Don't believe the hype...
  4. B-Bog
    Oct 11, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well-executed for the most part with its fair share of poignant moments, however, the resolution is not always satisfying (as with the side-plot with the cop and his brother that ends in little to no pay-off). Also, everything about the VIPs is just plain bad, from the acting/voice-over and terrible dialogue (these are seemingly the dumbest billionaires on earth, always stating the plain obvious) to the dumb and laughable nature of their attire and surroundings; and their presence REALLY drags down the later episodes.

    Also, it is just a GRUESOME watch. If you're dealing with any kind of serious difficulty in your life right now, this show will DEFINITELY not lift you up lol.    … Expand
  5. SimboTheKing
    Oct 20, 2021
    8
    I really did enjoy this show, I was sort of on-the-fence after the first episode but it very quickly grabbed me beyond this. I've really been loving South Korea and their films/shows on Capitalism and this thoroughly deserves to be in the lexicon alongside things like Parasite or Snowpiercer. It may not be the most original theme but it's exploration of it totally is. It took somethingI really did enjoy this show, I was sort of on-the-fence after the first episode but it very quickly grabbed me beyond this. I've really been loving South Korea and their films/shows on Capitalism and this thoroughly deserves to be in the lexicon alongside things like Parasite or Snowpiercer. It may not be the most original theme but it's exploration of it totally is. It took something that could've descended into even a Saw like concept and really made it end up being a powerful work.

    The acting is very impressive and it grounded what, again, could've easily ended up being ridiculous. It honestly is what I love streaming the most for - off kilter and out there shows that end up finding an audience through word-of-mouth. Well worth watching.    … Expand
  6. PhoenixReveiws
    Oct 17, 2021
    7
    It's a little overrated, but still worth it if you got time to burn. The basic plot of the show is really well scripted and thought out. A cool concept with a cool story. Not revolutionary and mind-bending as people make it seem, but still overall an enjoyable, slightly disturbingly good show.

    P.S- Neat soundtrack, very unique.
  7. mohamad_joudaki
    Oct 16, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. very bad series. im thinking is worst serise all the time and offer you dont watching that… Expand
  8. pnoyfilmtvadik
    Oct 8, 2021
    1
    I gave it a chance. 1st 20 minutes was not good at all. It was overly acted and made no sense. I couldnt relate to any of the characters. Badly directed. Tries too hard.
  9. ThisGuy1
    Oct 4, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Interesting show. Anyone who says it's concept is original or new, hasn't seen enough film or TV (I guess that makes me a bit of a bum). It's very similar in concept to films like Cheap Thrills, 13 Sins, Would You Rather, etc. but on a larger scale like Battle Royale, The Purge series, or Hunger Games... throw in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for aesthetics and you have Squid Game.

    Still, few things are truly original nowadays. The biggest criticism I have of the show is that: Moments outside of the games or the violence were not memorable. The scenes away from the compound were low points.

    Some people are criticizing the acting. I agree there are some very cringe worthy scenes from Jung jae-Lee and most scenes with Joo ryeong-Kim were laughable. However, Hae-soo Park and Yeung-su Oh both had terrific performances.

    All-in-all, this was good enough to watch and I'd recommend it to friends if they asked. I'd likely check out a second season. However, I still have it at a 6 or 6.5 out of 10. 7+ scores are for rewatchable shows - this really wasn't a show I'd consider re-watching.    … Expand
  10. MaerkReview
    Oct 4, 2021
    9
    This series is a must watch.. Maybe its not for everyone and can feel a bit cliché at times but overall the plot of the story is there and touching in some way.. When thinking about how some people gamble..
    And to me the series have a message beside extreme gore and man-slaughter.
    But to me the acting is quite good The end smells like a season 2 but i could fear for how well that might    This series is a must watch.. Maybe its not for everyone and can feel a bit cliché at times but overall the plot of the story is there and touching in some way.. When thinking about how some people gamble..
    And to me the series have a message beside extreme gore and man-slaughter.
    But to me the acting is quite good
    The end smells like a season 2 but i could fear for how well that might turn out
    But so far season one was an intense wierd thriller that is worth every minite of your time
    Not that the whole idea aint seen before in some sort but they put it together so well that it feeld new
    And really fresh to have it in korean and not going for all english voices
    Only negatives would be that its not very surprising and pretty easy to make out whats really going on
    Other then that it was great from start to finish    … Expand
  11. Vaako
    Sep 28, 2021
    1
    Sorry, unpopular opinion, but this show is terrible. The only thing that is horrific is the poor quality acting.
  12. OlivierPiel
    Oct 2, 2021
    0
    Compare this to the "Platform", the Spanish show about people having to share a small amount of food.
    Whereas the Platform was concerned about facing starvation, despair and death while trying to retain dignity , beauty and humanity, this show simplify the Hobbesian mantra "Hominus Hominei Lupus" and negate the free will of our protagonists.
    Furthermore, the acting is atrociously    Compare this to the "Platform", the Spanish show about people having to share a small amount of food.
    Whereas the Platform was concerned about facing starvation, despair and death while trying to retain dignity , beauty and humanity, this show simplify the Hobbesian mantra "Hominus Hominei Lupus" and negate the free will of our protagonists.
    Furthermore, the acting is atrociously cartoonish, the characters one-dimensional, the plot drawn out, the violence disgustingly voyeurish - real porn like-.

    The despair is that so many people like such a dumbed down version of a....manga, not that "capitalism is eating mankind"    … Expand
  13. chicoche666
    Oct 4, 2021
    4
    I think this series becomes unwatchable after three episodes. It happens to most television series were the first episodes ask great questions and leave you wanting for more. The problem always is how this questions are answred. Television series have all this run time and the opportunity to destroy the narrative at every turn. The first episode is a must watch. After that don't waste your time
  14. MeeKifi
    Oct 3, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Did not watch beyond the first half of episode one. Really only tuned in after force fed dozens of glowing reports on how awesome the show was. That probably impacted my opinion a little as the bar was set high. I had no sympathy for the lazy gambling addiction who steals from his mom and doesn’t seem to try and support his child. Really had no interest in seeing his story. Acting was not great in parts, like sub par anime level. Overall seemed very overhyped. Must have spent a fortune on marketing.… Expand
  15. shoulderoforion
    Oct 10, 2021
    9
    It's an audacious triumph that resonates in every society which has serious social and financial inequities, which is all of them. I'm not sure how he can keep the freshness and innegunity up to the same level for season 2, but I'll check it out, hoping he does.
  16. Murphy2k
    Oct 12, 2021
    4
    I love the aesthetics of this series, and it's something quite fresh. The Korean performances are something you need to adapt to, but I found it very entertainment, and totally recommend it
  17. Drealgrin
    Oct 16, 2021
    10
    Capitalism has failed, but its failure does produce some fantastic criticism of it's intrinsic cruelty and apathetic nature.

    Engaging from the first episode to the last, a perfect representation of the apathy and cruelty of the wealthy while they play their games with those who are struggling, and the inevitable failure to fight against the wealth and power of those with untold fortunes    Capitalism has failed, but its failure does produce some fantastic criticism of it's intrinsic cruelty and apathetic nature.

    Engaging from the first episode to the last, a perfect representation of the apathy and cruelty of the wealthy while they play their games with those who are struggling, and the inevitable failure to fight against the wealth and power of those with untold fortunes because the game is rigged for the success of the most amoral from the start.

    I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a bloody good time.    … Expand
  18. Hua
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    A cultural phenomenon and such a unique experience - I'm gonna miss this show and the feeling I got watching it for the first time. I'm still reeling from that ending (the last two episodes really)... This show just ripped my heart out, made me obsessed with its main concept and characters... and yeah, I'm just stunned and kind of devastated by how it ended. This one's gonna stick with meA cultural phenomenon and such a unique experience - I'm gonna miss this show and the feeling I got watching it for the first time. I'm still reeling from that ending (the last two episodes really)... This show just ripped my heart out, made me obsessed with its main concept and characters... and yeah, I'm just stunned and kind of devastated by how it ended. This one's gonna stick with me for a long time... definitely one of the most memorable, impactful shows I've watched in a long time.… Expand
  19. KelvinSelimor
    Nov 9, 2022
    10
    Squid Game. Season 1. Best series of 2021! The creator and the whole team did a real miracle! Showing each character and relationship so interestingly that it is impossible to stop watching. Even the games themselves go a bit into the background, although they are also very interestingly scary. Although the last episode reduces the degree of tension, this does not make the series even aSquid Game. Season 1. Best series of 2021! The creator and the whole team did a real miracle! Showing each character and relationship so interestingly that it is impossible to stop watching. Even the games themselves go a bit into the background, although they are also very interestingly scary. Although the last episode reduces the degree of tension, this does not make the series even a bit worse. Looking forward to continuing...… Expand
  20. JeBjBo
    Nov 7, 2021
    5
    Do the have to scream in every scene?! Like, all the time?? (The "Fly Me to the Moon" cover is good, though.)
  21. titan2287
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Parasite meets Saw.

    A great creative series tackles themes of wealth inequality, desperation, inhumanity, deception, and violent voyeurism.
  22. MetacriticOnur
    Nov 18, 2021
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  23. jastine
    Oct 8, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first game was stupid, absurdly killing over 200 players to put emphasis on the plot.… Expand
  24. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 18, 2021
    7
    Korea has been killing it with the seething indictments of capitalism and this grand 9 part series is no diffrent. The superb casting helps balance an almost tight script. Adding nuance to clichés and excitement to predictability. Every episode felt purposeful ¬ a single character is wasted. The shock of the initial game "red light green light " is just as poignant on rewatches. I honestlyKorea has been killing it with the seething indictments of capitalism and this grand 9 part series is no diffrent. The superb casting helps balance an almost tight script. Adding nuance to clichés and excitement to predictability. Every episode felt purposeful ¬ a single character is wasted. The shock of the initial game "red light green light " is just as poignant on rewatches. I honestly can not make out a flaw beyond there being no season 2 already.… Expand
  25. Diptanshu
    Jul 2, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Emotionally brilliant and brutally amazing. The concept and story was awesome and the execution is entertaining, The music and production design is brilliant and the acting is just another level specailly the old man's acting. The 1st episode was slow but the buildup was amazing, The Games were nostalgicly amazing, The 1st game and 2nd game was surprising and the system in the squid game organisation with it the villain's mask made the vibe, The family stuff of most characters were just emotionally sweet and then the dectective adventure was thrilling as hell, The character killings were brutally emotional specially episode 6 the old man's death and ali's death it was just heartbreakingly cold, The characters were sweet and brilliantly portrayed. The vip people felt annyoing, the dectective's brother quest and the twist about the leader was guessable but amazing, The final game the tension around it with the squid game at last it was emotional and then the aftermath of the game the family confession stuff was amazing, The final twist was shocking and made sense the old man desire to die with sweet child's memory at cost of lives but without forcing them it was awesome, Then the continuation of new batch at squid game it was an satisfying end, Overall it was a emotionally enteratining and a great season.… Expand
  26. geewah
    Nov 22, 2021
    9
    While the premise for this show seems rather ludicrous, what makes it works is clever and engaging writing along with some sharp social commentary.
    One of 2021's best shows
  27. Mohammednasser
    Oct 18, 2021
    8
    It's been a long time since I've seen series with this kind of excitement, and having a strange new idea is an excellent promotion for this great show
  28. LuissDt
    Apr 13, 2022
    9
    The Squid Game is a game that divided the world but manages to be dramatic and engaging enough to be a game that everyone wants to see.
  29. Motoritz
    Feb 19, 2022
    8
    Interesting idea which I personally haven't see anything of before, well executed for most parts. The characters as well as the end of the story could have been written better.
  30. KJ_20
    Nov 13, 2022
    9
    Squid Game Season 1 is one of the most unique, gripping and creative shows made till date. It's entertaining, mysterious and suspenseful. The plot is EXCELLENT and the twists and turns truly makes it phenomenal. The only downside is the acting. Some scenes feel overdone, or underdone.
  31. buybybrian
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Squid Game was so beautifully shot and so wonderfully written! I think Americans/English speaking countries were opened up to how wonderful movies can be originating from other cultures/countries! This movie spells massive Netflix Subscriber adoption for 2022!
  32. Fixer84
    Mar 17, 2023
    7
    A series that has now become iconic, which has launched, in the collective imagination, the importance of Korean serial productions on Netflix. Which is a big plus.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Oct 21, 2021
    70
    Ultraviolent and terrifically gripping thriller. [25 Oct - 7 Nov 2021, p.9]
  2. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Oct 15, 2021
    63
    Solid thriller, good twists, too violent.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Oct 11, 2021
    30
    “Squid Game” has nothing to say about inequality and free will beyond pat truisms, and its characters are shallow assemblages of family and battlefield clichés, set loose upon a patently ridiculous premise. ... [The violence] is more than mildly sickening in its scale, its graphic presentation and its calculated gratuitousness.
    Read full review
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