#TemplarsPick | Squid Game 2

Charlie Oranza

PUBMAT | TAHNIA DALIT

Release date: December 26, 2024

Cast: Lee Jung-Jae, Yim Si-Wan, Kang Ha-Neul, Lee Jin-Uk, Park Sung-Hoon, Jo Yuri, T.O.P, Park Gyu Young

Country: South Korea

Genre: Thriller, Action, Suspense

Rating: 3/5

Squid Game 2 made a justifiable but cliff-hanging sequel to the game with different plots, characters, games, and an improved but unpredictable flow of how the players will go.

Squid Game is a South Korean survival thriller Netflix series where there are penniless players who are stuck in an engaging colorful studio to play childhood games in exchange for their lives and money in return but without assurance if they will live once the game is over.

Despite the popularity built by the first season that was released on September 17, 2021, the second season has surpassed the level of the thrill, action, and drama to make a better sequel. The creepiness of the calm sound effects is also maintained and upgraded with more songs such as the unexpected remix of "Fly Me to the Moon", which adds to the great thrill of watching the games.

The new season gives a sneak peek of the other side of the game as the lives of the pink mascot soldiers in the game are also shown other than the life of the players.

Compared to the first season, Squid Game 2 showcases a better casting and more interesting characters. More distinct personalities in every player are seen, unlike in season 1 where they mostly have had the same flat roles.

One advantage that this season has are the social issues underlying each character such as homophobia, poverty, social injustice, social influence, addiction, fraud, teenage pregnancy, motherhood, and low salaries for employees. These make the theme of the series stronger, highlighting the game of life and money.

Park Sung Hoon as player 120, who is a transgender in the film, deserves an award for his role as he gives justice for being one of the most lovable characters of the season with a powerful representation. Park Gyu Young also has an unexpected role, which surely makes the story balanced. However, I am waiting for better scenes and a more important role for player 222 portrayed by Jo Yuri as she is one of the players who has the biggest problem inside the game. Yet, she ends up not having too much screen time. This is similar to player 246 portrayed by Lee Jin Uk, who is almost not felt in most of the episodes.

The theme of the story, however, is still effectively conveyed since the game is a representation of life. Truly, people will always take risks for their living; some wants to make a new life, while some will take advantage of others with every chance they get.

However, it just doesn't make sense that player 456, who is portrayed by Lee Jung Jae, chooses to play the game again instead of taking care of his mom and child despite knowing the consequences of playing the game.

Nevertheless, Squid Game is not yet over but if it's about the excitement it will build up to the ending, it will just be better to wait for season 3 before watching season 2 to not get disappointed with the series' incomplete storytelling. Overall, it has shown a significantly better execution than season 1, except for the ending.