The Frog (2024)

"The Frog" is a hauntingly atmospheric Korean drama that weaves together a tale of mystery, loss, and the eerie passage of time. Set in the present day and the early 2000s, the series skillfully intertwines two timelines, drawing viewers into the enigmatic events surrounding a secluded vacation cottage deep in the woods.

One of the strengths of "The Frog" lies in its ability to maintain a chilling atmosphere throughout the series. The setting of the vacation cottage, isolated in the woods, is the perfect backdrop for a mystery that spans two decades. The cinematography beautifully captures the eerie, almost otherworldly quality of the place, making it feel like a character in its own right. The sound design, too, is impeccable, with every creak of the floorboards and rustle of leaves heightening the sense of unease.

The performances in "The Frog" are commendable, particularly those of the leads. Jeon Youn Ha is portrayed with a quiet intensity, his peaceful demeanor hiding a deep well of emotions. Yoo Sung A, on the other hand, exudes an air of mystery and sadness, her character's motives remaining unclear until the very end. Yoon Bo Min's character is a refreshing addition, bringing a sense of determination and resilience to the story.

However, "The Frog" is not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, with certain episodes feeling drawn out as the plot unfolds. While the slow-burn approach adds to the suspense, it may test the patience of some viewers who prefer a faster pace. Additionally, the dual timeline structure, while effective in building tension, can be confusing if not followed closely.

Last but not least, the cast did amazing. I had only dive into this because of Go Min Si but I ended up adoring all the MC specifically RYS character as JES. She was badass. And I also really enjoyed PCY character as Gi Ho.

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The Frog: Slow, Dull and Confusing

I had high hopes for this little drama of just 8 episodes. It listed a superb cast. I was excited. Well, what a let down. This drama was painfully slow and dull. Only bits and pieces grab one's attention; the rest is a snooze fest. The story was really just a mishmash of two separate time-frames, and the connection was weak. And finally, the two main female cast members were, you could say, very frugally used. Some of the supporting actors had more screen time than the two main female characters. For example, in at least one episode, Go Min Si has less than one minute of screen time, and she is the female lead! Overall boring with a scene here and there that grabs you. I say not worth the watch, and certainly not a re-watch.

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BEST THRILLER WITH « YOUR HONOR » in summer 2024 for me !

AT FIRST GLANCE, THE TRAILER PROVED PROMISING, BUT I AM ALWAYS ON MY GUARD AGAINST THIS TYPE OF PROMISE. OFTEN, ONCE IMMERSED IN THE STORY, EXPECTATIONS COLLAPSE, FAILING TO MATCH THE ENTHUSIASM AROUSED BY THE TRAILER. YET, HERE, REALITY EXCEEDED MY CRAZIEST EXPECTATIONS.

AFTER BEING INTRODUCED TO THE OWNERS OF BOTH ERAS, WE QUICKLY ENTER A HOT SCHOOL ATMOSPHERE, WHERE A PROVOCATIVE AND ENIGMATIC "GO MIN SI" EVOLVES. THE PLOT IS REVEALED WITHOUT DELAY, AND IT BECOMES OBVIOUS THAT SHE IS NOT THERE TO HAVE FUN WITH MEN, BUT RATHER TO FREE HER TORTUOUS SPIRIT. IT IS AN UNJUSTIFIED EXPRESSION, A PSYCHOLOGICAL FACET OF ITSELF THAT REACHES PEAKS OF PARADOX. SHE PAINTS, STRUTS IN A LUXURY CAR, LIKE A SPOILED HEIRESS, WHILE POORLY HIDING HER BLOODTY NATURE.

THE HEAVY ATMOSPHERE, THE AMBIENT SOUNDS, THIS ALMOST LOCK-UP INSIDE THE SUMPTUOUS HOTEL OF MODERN TIMES, AND THESE STRIKING METAPHORS ON FROGS THAT HAVE NOT ASKED FOR ANYTHING, ALL THIS ENCOURAGES REFLECTION. WHY COULD SUCH HORRORS FALL ON US, WHEN WE HAVE NOT REQUESTED ANYTHING? BY A WHIM OF KARMA? BY AN EXCESS OF BENEVOLENCE? OR SIMPLY FOR CLOSING YOUR EYES AT THE WRONG TIME?

KIM YOON SEOK HAS DONE A REMARKABLE JOB ALONGSIDE GO MIN SI. TOGETHER, THEY WERE ABLE, THROUGH THEIR CHARACTERS, TO ESTABLISH A CLIMATE OF HATRED MIXED WITH COMPLICITY, DESTINED FOR THE WORST. THE PALPABLE TENSION BETWEEN THEM, AS WELL AS THE MOMENTS OF ACTION, WERE OF SUCH AN IMMERSIVE INTENSITY THAT I FOUND MYSELF, CAPTIVE, WONDERING WHO WOULD WIN UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. THE FIRST OWNER DID NOT MARK ME, BUT THE YOUNG SNIPER IN SEARCH OF REVENGE WOULD HAVE DESERVED A GREATER PLACE ON THE SCREEN.

OVERALL, I WAS CONQUERED BY THIS THRILLER, WHICH WAS ABLE TO AVOID SLOWNESS, OR AT LEAST, IT PROVED RELEVANT. ONE OF THE STRENGTHS UNDENIABLY LIES IN THE INTERPRETATION OF GO MIN SI, WHOSE SCENIC EXPRESSIONS ARE OF STRIKING DEPTH. HOWEVER, I CANNOT HELP BUT POINT OUT A SLIGHT DOWNSIDE: THE MOTIVATIONS OF HIS CHARACTER REMAIN OBSCURE, AND HIS ACTIONS, IN A CERTAIN WAY, ESCAPE ANY FORM OF PUNISHMENT.

I WARMLY RECOMMEND THIS KDRAMA!

19/20

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Ultimately the plot is a pile of rubbish.

I really wanted to like this limited series on Netflix, I really do. It promised a korean thriller and started off looking really good, both production quality and the cinematography. But episode 4 onwards the plot is so damn nonsensical I knew I wouldn't be looking anything higher than a 2/10 for this particular series.

First of all, the present MC makes the most bloody nonsensical and stupid decisions ever, and continues making them for 80% of the series.

Second of all, the plot develops in a way that is so unrealistic I'm almost sure the writers are trying to tilt the viewers on purpose.

The only 2 reason to watch this pile of whatever it is? The cinematography is really quite good, the vacation home is absolutely gorgeous. The 2nd reason? Go Min Si is absolutely STUNNING in here, and if I were to put aside the ridiclous storyline that is happening in the background? She really can act as a psycho.

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first disappointing korean thriller.

i think it tried to be something deep but couldn’t? maybe i couldn’t see the vision. i HATED the psychopath and since her backstory isn’t well-developed i couldn't even understand her psyche. she is just evil, no excuses. we don’t know whether she was actually abused, we don’t know why she is so bent on trying to grab other peoples' properties. the only explanation can be that she is a silver spoon princess and wanted to carve a niche for herself for which she had no talent. i didn’t like yeongha much either. my fav character will be ui-seon, girl acted well and did all she could. the cinematography and the set are really pretty and the production is cool. i think it’s the visual aspect where the series gains points because the story/stories are weak. chanyeol’s acting wasn’t impressive but it was okayish. all in all, slightly disappointed as a korean thriller watcher.

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Spatter-Fest

I'm not the least bit squeamish, but I really don't want to watch a K-drama that's a violent bloodbath from beginning to end. I can watch the news for that, and I've had enough murder, violence and gore from American TV. The acting in this drama is great, no problem there, but the first few episodes were extremely confusing. After three episodes I gave up, watched another drama, and was searching for something else. Since there were only five episodes remaining, I decided to finish this one. A waste of my precious time! I fell in love with K-dramas because they were SO different from American TV, but not this one. If you enjoy thrillers with murder, intrigue and suspense, watch The Kidnapping Day instead. It's a MUCH better series than this one, and Yoon Kye Sang stars in both. Maybe you'll like The Frog, but it wasn't my cup of tea.

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oscura

empecé a verla sin haber leído la sinopsis, pensé que iba a ser un thriller más pero sobrepasó mis expectativas por completo.
cualquier persona que la vea va a coincidir en que el cast es increíble pero minsi se destacó con una habilidad maravillosa para ser la psicópata perfecta. también quiero decir que chanyeol evolucionó mucho en su actuación y lo demostró con giho.
si te gustó extracurricular, the frog es para vos.

***el primer episodio va de la mano con un infanticidio, así que si es un tema que las sensibiliza les recomendaría que no la vean.

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