Written by Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Squid television series is back with its 2nd season starring Hwang Dong-hyuk’s Squid Game’s 2nd season is the highly anticipated sequel to the previous season which was highly successful. This season stars Lee-Jung Jae Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-joon, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, and Jo Yu-ri and is streaming on popular platform Netflix.
Ever since, this series is being streamed on Netflix, people have spoken about the 2nd season and given their reviews. So if you are looking towards a weekend to watch something or want to see Squid 2 then this article is for you.
About the season 2
So to precap the story for the audience, the season 2 will pick-up after Gi-Hun’s victory who is haunted as he has witnessed the knowledge of game’s continuous existence, he goes on a mission to dismantle the organization which is running behind the Squid game. At the same time, there are group of participants who are drawn into this deadly games. The second season explore different types of games, characters and also deepens the mystery and complexities which were explored in the 1st season.
Target Audience
The 2nd season of Squid Games target those who have already watched the previous one and are looking forward to it and those who love thrillers. But this isn’t for those who are faint hearted because the content is mature as it explores violent themes
Themes Explored
If we talk about the themes explored in this series, it focuses on class disparity, desperation and the dehumanizing nature of capitalism. This season also introduces new layers of the organization exploring their games and motivations. Gi-Hun’s moral struggle and his mission to destabilize those who are responsible adds the element of revenge which makes it more interesting.
Performances
Now let’s delve into how the characters in the series have performed. In general, the character’s performance in this season are strong and impressive. The lead character Lee-Jung who is playing the role of Gi-Hun portrays the character’s struggle and determination with depth and in a nuanced manner. The new members in the series have added fresh energy to the series with wonderful performances from certain characters. The acting in the series has been overall consistent, there are certain characters are underdeveloped as compared to the previous season.
Direction and Cinematography
If we talk about the direction and cinematography of the series, then the former remains intense and stylish as there is use of dynamic camera work, tight camera work and high contrast lighting. When we talk about cinematography it is vibrant and striking especially when it comes to the gaming sequences which is imaginative and visually appealing.
Season’s Visual effects and sound
The production design has continued to maintain the 1st season’s disntcive aesthetic in its 2nd season. As they make use of surreal and colourful environments in a stark contrast of those games. The special effects of the season have been seamlessly integrated and have enhanced the intensity as well as the brutality of those games.
Technical aspects
The music plays an effective role in building suspense in the season while so conveying the emotional weight while also combining an of eerie melodies and as well as dramatic orchestral scores. The editing of the season is tight and it maintains a brisk pace throughout the series. The sound design has good impact especially when it comes to the brutal games while making use of every Squeak and clang to focus on the brutality.
Themes and Social relevance
The 2nd season of Squid Games continues to explore the themes of inequality, the ruthless capitalism and the desperation it can cause while using those ruthless games as a comparison to the class struggles. The season also explores the people’s nature when they are between justice and moral dilemma in desperate situations.
As per Dr. Sara Kim who is a professor in media studies says that the season’s continued success comes from the ability as it is able to tap into Universe’s anxiety into economic instability and social hierarchy. This season pushes these themes further by exploring themes of resistance and questioning whether individual acts can change the systematic injustices.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Now let’s talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the series. So let’s first focus on the strengths of the season. The lead character of the season Lee jung- jae has performed extremely well in its 2nd season. The visuals which have been shown in the series are visually stirking and use of imaginative gaming sequences makes it more compelling. The season is effectively pacing and has an element of suspenseful story-telling which will grip the audience till the very end. The makers of the series have explored the theme of though-provoking themes and social commentary.
Let’s talk about the weakness of the series, as compared to the season 1, there are certain supporters who lack development thus impacting the series. There are certain plot developments in the series which makes it predictable thus impacting the watch. The 2nd season doesn’t match the novelty of the previous one. Whereas some of the emotional beats in the season are slightly repetitive. But the fact remains that the direction, editing, music remains top-notch. Even-though the second season is intense and thrilling like the 1st season, it doesn’t have impact like the 1st one.
Audience response
One of the audiences said that the series is savage but from the perspective of entertainment it is impressive and said that they binged watched the first season in one single day and is looking forward to the rest part of the season too.
Ratings of Squid season 2
8/10
Conclusion
While the 2nd season may not be as impactful as compared to the 1st season, it is as thrilling and suspenseful. So do watch the series if you really love thriller.
FAQs
Q. Are there new games in 2nd season?
Answer: Yes, Squid Game’s 2nd season includes deadly as well as imaginative games which are brutal like the 1st one.
