Squid Game: A Mainstream Cult Classic

The most popular show on Netflix and arguably the most popular foreign language show in history, Squid Game has inspired countless memes and even more imitators. So how did an obscure Korean drama achieve such critical and commercial success? Below, we give five possible reasons for its popularity.

1) It’s childlike

Despite its violent content, the show accurately captures a childlike sense of wonder. The characters only survive the games by seeing them through the eyes of a child, and the protagonist ultimately wins because in many respects he is the most na?ve. Under immense pressure, the characters also behave like children, forming antagonistic little gangs, or alternatively bonding and working together like children. With the 21st century being one of the most chaotic on record, there is little wonder viewers wished to return to a more innocent time.

2) It’s like a computer game

With gaming surpassing films and TV as the world’s most popular leisure activity, the show’s creators have cannily made the show as game-like as possible. Not only is it literally a game, with characters completing preset levels to win, but its whole ethos emulates video games. The colours are bright and primary, there are limited resources to be harnessed, and the guards wear faceless masks and uniforms denoting their station much like NPCs in games such as Metal Gear Solid.

3) It’s claustrophobic

It is no coincidence that it struck a chord during Covid-19. When it first appeared billions of people were confined to their homes during lockdown. Seeing a limited number of people trapped together, unable to escape and subject to strange forces they are unable to fully comprehend would obviously resonate with the viewer. On a more basic level, billions of people sitting at home with nothing to do is obviously a huge boon for any TV show.

4) It’s timely

In recent years, the gap between the rich and poor has been growing worldwide. Like the equally successful Parasite, Squid Game explores the social issue of poverty and subtly exploits the worldwide feeling that most people are merely pawns in a rigged game played by the super rich. Again, the pandemic comes into play, the rich were not only better able to isolate themselves from its immediate effects, but also infinitely better insulated from the global recession it caused.

5) It’s not entirely original

To some extent, Squid Game built on pre-existing sources, albeit expertly while adding innovations of its own. The most obvious influence is the influential Japanese horror film/manga Battle Royale, a dark comedy about a group of delinquent teenagers forced to fight to the death on a remote island. The show’s creator has directly acknowledged the film, which was also considered to be the ‘inspiration’ behind The Hunger Games. Moreover, earlier films such as the Running Man and Series 7: The Contenders also explored similar themes, as did The Most Dangerous Game as far back as 1932!

None of this is to begrudge the show’s success. Great writing, artistic vision, and a talented cast are still the primary reasons for viewing. With K dramas currently so popular as a result of Squid Game, it will be interesting to see how the show will develop when Season 2 is finally released in mid-2024.

Article by: Ramon Battershall