Squid Games 2 Review

And the Wait is Over!

The highly anticipated second season of Squid Games is finally here, and fans are eager to see if it lives up to the legacy of its predecessor. If you’re searching for a Squid Games 2 review before diving into the new episodes, here’s a crisp and detailed analysis.

Actor Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun in Squid Games 2 (Image source: Netflix)

The Legacy of Squid Games

The South Korean series Squid Games took the world by storm when it debuted on Netflix, becoming one of the platform’s most-watched shows. With its gripping critique of capitalism, deadly children’s games, and hauntingly evocative musical motifs, the show captured audiences globally. Now, the series is back with a second season, promising more chaos, drama, and bloodshed. But does it deliver? Read on to know in our tailor-made Squid Games 2 review.

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What’s Familiar?

No Squid Games 2 review is complete without mentioning the return of Lee Jung-Jae, who reprises his role as Seong Gi-hun. Lee remains as compelling and natural as he was in the first season of Squid Games.

• The iconic teal tracksuits and masked men are back, maintaining the eerie visual signature of the series.
• True to its roots, the season offers plenty of violence, nail-biting tension, and heart-wrenching moments.

However, while the familiar elements return, they often feel like echoes of the past, with much of the depth and originality missing.

Lee Byung-hun as Front Man in Squid Games 2 (Image source: Netflix)

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Squid Games 2 Review: A Rollercoaster of Twists and Turns

The second season picks up directly where the first ended. Seong Gi-hun, instead of enjoying his 45.6 billion won (USD 31 million) prize, chooses to go after the masterminds behind the sadistic games.

1. Seong’s Mission: Determined to dismantle the organization, Seong hires agents to track the mysterious recruiter who lures players into the games.
2. Hwang Jun-ho’s Search: Meanwhile, Hwang Jun-ho, the Seoul police officer who infiltrated the games in season one, is on his own quest. After surviving being shot by his elder brother, In-ho (the masked man), and falling off a cliff, Jun-ho is now obsessed with uncovering the island where the games take place.
3. The New Contestants: Gi-hun finds himself back in the arena, this time with a new and intriguing set of players, including:
   • A YouTuber ruined by promoting failed cryptocurrency.
   • A transwoman struggling to rebuild her life.
   • A degenerate gambler and his ailing mother.
   • A loyal friend and ally.

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The seven-episode season is packed with twists but leaves several loose ends, demanding an immense suspension of disbelief from the audience.

Wi Ha-jun as Hwang Jun-ho in Squid Games 2 (Image Source: Netflix)

What’s Lacking?

While the first season offered biting social commentary wrapped in a tightly woven plot, the second season struggles to find its footing.

• Predictable Plotlines: The once-sharp satire feels watered down, replaced by overly dramatic punchlines and a predictable narrative.
• Lack of Depth: The moral dilemmas and raw emotional weight that defined the original are overshadowed by a far-fetched storyline and underdeveloped subplots.
• Unsatisfying Conclusion: By the end of season 2 of Squid Games, viewers may feel more frustrated than fulfilled, as critical questions remain unanswered.

Park Sung Hoon as Transwoman in Squid games 2 (Image source: Netflix)

Verdict

Squid Games 2 offers flashes of brilliance, largely due to Lee Jung-Jae’s commanding performance and the return of iconic visuals and motifs. However, it falls short of the expectations set by its groundbreaking first season. The plot feels stretched, the social critique diluted, and the emotional impact dampened.

Rating: 2.5/5

If you’re a die-hard fan of the series, it’s worth watching for the nostalgia and a few standout moments. However, casual viewers may find it a less-than-satisfying follow-up to the original phenomenon. If you decide to watch the second season, let us know in the comments about your own Squid Games 2 review.

Meanwhile, if you are planning to watch Kraven the Hunter, here is the full review. Enjoyyyyy!