Squid Game season 2 review: Netflix’s biggest series returns, filled with twists but not as fast-paced as season one

The triumph of Squid Game, apart from being a technically-sound series featuring a group of brilliant actors, was that it is a gripping narrative of brutal games being played out in a multi-hued toyland-like setting populated by several fascinating characters with backstories. The first season ends with the transformation of Gi-hun, from a simple-hearted gambling addict to a one full of regrets and fury after winning $456 billion prize money in a series of gruesome games where humans are treated as trash.

Squid Game S2 trailer:

Using his prize money, Gi-hun continues his search for the masterminds, even at the cost of his personal happiness. He starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man playing ddakji in the subway. Eventually, he crosses paths with Wi Ha-joon (Hwang Jun-ho), who is also on a similar mission. So obsessed is Gi-hun with his mission that we see him smile for the first time in this season in Episode 5, when he is reminiscing about his carefree but penniless days with an old friend.

Like the first season, this season has many twists. However, it is not as fast-paced as the first one. Writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk instead of focussing solely on making it action-packed or binge-worthy, has tried to make it more reflective. The USP of Squid Game, in spite of it featuring several violent games and sequences, has been its tender heart, human bonds and compassion. The new season spends more time exploring these bonds that are often put to test under extremely stressful circumstances. These emotions hook the audience to the characters’ journey and fate.

Dong-hyuk, who became the first Asian to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, shifts the gear — just enough — to let the emotions of its characters prevail over the violent outcome of the games. Squid Game’s music, which contributed significantly to the experience of viewing the series, though retains its original vibes, also tries to match the change in the narrative by experimenting with a range of music, including operatic pieces.

While Jung-jae, Ha-joon, Lee Byung-hun (Front Man), and Gong Yoo reprise their roles from Season 1, the season features mostly new cast members playing fascinating characters. With the creators supposedly developing Squid Game Season 3, expected to release in 2025, simultaneously, S2 ends with a cliffhanger.

Squid Game S2 Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Squid Game S2 Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun and Gong Yoo