By Sherine Chrispeels

Thrilling, intense and mysterious would have to be the best adjectives to describe Alice in Borderland. It plunges viewers into an intriguing and surreal world. Based on a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Haro Aso, Alice in Borderland will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. 

Alice in Borderland (2020-2022)

Origin - Japanese 

Genre - drama, science fiction, thriller 

Director - Shinsuke Sato 

Date of release (season one) - 10 December 2020 

Date of release (season two) - 22 December 2022 

Number of episodes - 16 

The story follows the life of the protagonist: Arisu (pronounced “Alice”) and his two friends Karube and Chota. As they were running away from the police in the famous Shibuya Crossing, they found themselves transported into a deserted Tokyo: the Borderland. To survive in this world, they were dependent on deadly games in order to obtain visas. Each game represents a different card symbol: heart, spike, clover and diamond with 10 levels of difficulties testing their strength, resilience and courage. As they grow in this gripping landscape, they discover dark secrets and mysteries that add layers to the intrigue. 

One of the engrossing elements of this series is its capability to mix different genres. From a psychological thriller to an action series with mystery and suspense. Alice in Borderland constantly keeps viewers guessing the following moves with an unpredictable narrative and unexpected twists. 

The visual aesthetics of the series are remarkable. The abandoned streets of Tokyo and the game’s set-ups add a haunted and beautiful atmosphere to the intrigue, amplifying the impression of isolation and upcoming danger. Moreover, the attention to details and the character’s deep personalities add intensity to the series. 

The acting and performance from the actors is staggering. Kento Yamazaki playing the protagonist Arisu perfectly portrays a complex character embarked in a life or death issue. 

However, some viewers may dislike this opinion. They may find the plot ‘uneven’ between the intense game sequences and the emotional bond between the characters. Furthermore, the complexity of the plot and the continuous addition of characters to the story may be seen as too overwhelming for some (not everyone can have great taste). 

Due to my spoiling tendencies, I’ll stop the synopsis there leaving you with an enigmatic, complex and apocalyptic world to discover on your own. The series gives a thrilling and addictive experience letting you crave for even more.

Snapshots from Season 1

Snapshots from Season 2

The End? 

(this is a reference from the end of the series, if you want to understand it, you need to watch the series ;)

(if you don't have Netflix, you can still illegally watch it on soap2day)