The global phenomenon 'Squid Game' has returned with its third season, now available worldwide, and international media outlets have offered mixed reviews.
Released on October 27, Netflix's 'Squid Game 3' follows Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) as he re-enters the deadly games with a personal mission, only to lose his closest friend. The season also explores the fate of the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun), who infiltrated the games under a hidden identity, and the remaining survivors.
The New York Times expressed disappointment, stating, "There needed to be something in Season 2 or 3 that could surprise the audience." They added, "While Gi-hun's journey to resolve his fate adds tension missing from Season 2, the characters, reminiscent of those from Western war films, are more one-dimensional and predictable than ever. Jun-ho's (played by Wi Ha-jun) island search remains the most meaningless plot until the end, and the masked VIP scenes are cartoonish and pointless."
The review continued, "Director Hwang Dong-hyuk still skillfully orchestrates action, but his imagination falls short in the final games."
Variety commented, "'Squid Game,' the most-watched series in Netflix history, meets a grim conclusion. The final season is uncomfortable and violent, more of a continuation of Season 2 than a completely new story." They noted, "Season 3 lacks the spectacle of previous seasons due to repetitive game structures and a lack of new characters, yet it remains worth watching for some compelling twists."
The Hollywood Reporter remarked, "The once-thrilling Netflix hit concludes with an unsatisfying ending. The VIPs deliver awkward dialogue, attempting to persuade viewers, but the tension unique to 'Squid Game' has vanished. It's as if the VIPs believe shouting 'It's getting more exciting!' will convince the audience."
They added, "Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has hidden some intense twists, but the surprises and emotions are brief, while the misery and runtime are excessively long. However, it sometimes offers a sharp perspective on justifying unspeakable cruelty behind what appears to be democracy."
The Guardian criticized the season for its "unbelievably shocking conclusion," stating, "The brutality has intensified, violence is relentless, and satire has nearly disappeared. Remaining participants are turning into increasingly ruthless killers, feeling more like simple spectacle than sharp messaging."
They added, "It feels more like a 'supplement' to the original, intricately constructed Season 1, leaving an impression of a traditional action thriller rather than a satirical drama."
Time magazine praised the final season for "delivering a powerful punch with its inherent brutal charm." Collider described it as "an overwhelming finale that maximizes all strengths and goes beyond."
The Financial Times analyzed it as "still addictive with its fast-paced and sharp direction," while Bloomberg noted it "questions what remains of our humanity." Decider interpreted the Season 3 finale as "containing the most shocking twists, ultimately embodying the dignity of human nature."
'Squid Game' has become an unprecedented global sensation, ranking as Netflix's most popular series ever. Seasons 1 and 2 combined have amassed approximately 600 million views (calculated by dividing viewing hours by the total runtime). Season 1 recorded 2.25 billion hours in 91 days post-release, while Season 2 reached 1.38 billion hours, totaling 3.585 billion hours for both seasons.
Directed, written, and produced by Hwang Dong-hyuk, 'Squid Game' Season 3 stars Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, and Kang Ae-shim. To commemorate the series finale, a parade featuring iconic symbols like the Pink Guard was held in Seoul's Gwanghwamun area on October 28, attended by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, and Lee Byung-hun.