For numerous viewers, Season 3 of Squid Game failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion. Whether it was the slower pacing of the final season, some perplexing character developments, or simply the sentiment that the initial excitement had diminished from Netflix’s biggest hit, many fans felt a desire for something more.
If you’re among them, I have some good news: Netflix offers a Japanese survival thriller that may satisfy the cravings that Squid Game left unfulfilled. The series, titled Alice in Borderland, centers around intense games, moral dilemmas, and a chilling atmosphere where safety is never guaranteed. Similar to Squid Game, it thrusts ordinary individuals into extraordinary and life-threatening situations, forcing them to navigate impossible choices.
With an impressive 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series introduces Arisu, a disaffected gamer and slacker, who unexpectedly finds himself transported to a deserted, alternate Tokyo. He quickly becomes embroiled in a series of sadistic games, each defined by a playing card that outlines its difficulty and theme — participants face challenges ranging from logic puzzles to extreme physical tests and psychological torment. Losing a game results in death, while winning grants players “visa” days to prolong their survival. Fail to enter a new game before your visa expires, and you can probably guess the fate that awaits you.
Visually, these two dark Netflix series share a striking cinematic style that is both surreal and ruthless. Alice in Borderland leans more towards the sci-fi genre compared to Squid Game, transforming Tokyo into a terrifying game board where every deserted structure or alleyway could be a potential deathtrap. The action sequences are meticulously choreographed, the suspense is relentless, and the world-building becomes significantly more intricate in Season 2.
Now is the ideal time to catch up on this gripping series. Netflix has announced that Season 3 of Alice in Borderland will premiere this September, so whether you’re new to the show or revisiting its thrilling chaos, there’s still time to immerse yourself before the story progresses. If you’re seeking another dose of stylish survival drama and were left a bit underwhelmed by Squid Game’s conclusion, make sure to prioritize Alice in Borderland on your watchlist right now.
