Aurora
An okay drama for its length, but not more than that.
First things first, I can’t help but compare this to Alice in Borderland, because that was the first of this genre of show I ever saw. While there are definitely differences, and both shows are good enough to watch them and still make a separate impression, for me AiB takes the cake in the “deadly/survival games”-genre. I think maybe I would’ve enjoyed Squid Game more if I hadn’t watched AiB first, because it set a bar that Squid Game just couldn’t reach.
Now, this review isn’t about AiB, so let’s talk about Squid Game. I think the biggest problem with this show was I had a lot less empathy towards the characters. I didn’t care much about their story, and some of them just felt a bit unfinished and flat to me. I wish we saw more background of some of the main characters. The show was pretty short, but I think it could’ve done with a flashback here and there of the characters pre-game. Some characters were okay, but most of the characters just didn’t seem to understand their actions and decisions have consequences. Consequences they knew about. I will say, the main actors did great though, which was one of the saving graces of the show.
There were also just some disruptive scenes that were just so awkward to watch due to their dialogue. Sometimes I was really immersed in the show, but then there were a couple of scenes that were just so cringy that completely took me out of it. There weren’t too many but I still think the show could’ve done without.
The games themselves were really thought out and I liked that most about the show. But the games themselves, and their result didn’t leave as much of an impression on me due to the characters being so lacklustre.
I think the first few episodes were pretty good, but let’s just say I was glad the final two episodes were only 80 minutes combined in total.
What I did love though were the set design, costume design and background music. Both were so good, quite childlike to fit with the games, but at the same time eerie, to fit with the theme of the show. It really tied everything together.
Overall, I think this is worth trying it out, but only if you’re into this genre. I think it’s mainly worth it because it is so short, so you won’t throw away too much if your time if you end up not enjoying it. That being said, I can’t see myself rewatching this anytime soon.
Now, this review isn’t about AiB, so let’s talk about Squid Game. I think the biggest problem with this show was I had a lot less empathy towards the characters. I didn’t care much about their story, and some of them just felt a bit unfinished and flat to me. I wish we saw more background of some of the main characters. The show was pretty short, but I think it could’ve done with a flashback here and there of the characters pre-game. Some characters were okay, but most of the characters just didn’t seem to understand their actions and decisions have consequences. Consequences they knew about. I will say, the main actors did great though, which was one of the saving graces of the show.
There were also just some disruptive scenes that were just so awkward to watch due to their dialogue. Sometimes I was really immersed in the show, but then there were a couple of scenes that were just so cringy that completely took me out of it. There weren’t too many but I still think the show could’ve done without.
The games themselves were really thought out and I liked that most about the show. But the games themselves, and their result didn’t leave as much of an impression on me due to the characters being so lacklustre.
I think the first few episodes were pretty good, but let’s just say I was glad the final two episodes were only 80 minutes combined in total.
What I did love though were the set design, costume design and background music. Both were so good, quite childlike to fit with the games, but at the same time eerie, to fit with the theme of the show. It really tied everything together.
Overall, I think this is worth trying it out, but only if you’re into this genre. I think it’s mainly worth it because it is so short, so you won’t throw away too much if your time if you end up not enjoying it. That being said, I can’t see myself rewatching this anytime soon.
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