The highly anticipated third and final chapter of the Korean phenomenon Squid Game has finally arrived, living up to every fan’s expectation. Netflix’s globally popular series intensifies the tension, emotion, and danger to unprecedented levels, drawing its narrative to a close with an ending that is simultaneously satisfying and profoundly heartbreaking.
Story
After a failed rebellion in the previous season, the player count has dwindled from nearly 100 to just 60. The next round introduces a brutal, unprecedented version of ‘Hide and Seek.’ Contestants are divided into Red and Blue teams, with the Red team tasked with hunting down and eliminating members of the Blue team. This terrifying twist transforms a childhood game into a deadly fight for survival.
Beyond the deadly games, the narrative intently follows Detective Hwang Jun-ho, whose unwavering mission is to locate the elusive hidden island. Unbeknownst to him, the ship captain he trusts implicitly is, in fact, a traitor actively working against him, a revelation that significantly escalates the tension within the investigation subplot. Meanwhile, amidst the pervasive bloodshed, a profoundly rare and emotional moment unfolds: Player 222, a pregnant participant, goes into labor and, with the compassionate help of an older woman, gives birth. This deeply moving scene serves as a poignant testament to the persistence of humanity, even within an environment utterly dominated by fear.
The stakes skyrocket as the games deliver their next trial: “Jump Rope.” Competitors must traverse a bridge under a lethal, ceaselessly moving rope, making absolutely no contact. Following this brutal round, a mere eight remain, but a sudden, infuriating twist brings forth a ninth contestant. Outrage erupts among the players, and tensions reach a fever pitch once more. A critical group vote is convened to decide whether to advance to the final game, forcing them to confront a thorny moral dilemma.
Heightening the tension, the long-anticipated VIPs have finally made their entrance. Their arrival sways the game’s outcome, illustrating the extent of the system’s manipulation. Curious about the climax? You’ll need to tune in to the episodes to find out. The final season is filled with emotional turns, shocking fatalities, and nail-biting scenes.
Performances
Each actor delivers a captivating performance, breathing life into their characters with genuine authenticity and depth. The emotional intensity of the season is heightened by the tragic deaths of some of the most compassionate characters, leaving a profound and lasting impression.
Lee Jung-jae excels once more as Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), conveying his sense of helplessness and internal conflict through nuanced expressions and impactful silence. However, two characters particularly stand out: Jang Geum-ja (Player 149), the older woman, and Kim Jun-hui (Player 222), the pregnant girl. Their character arcs resonate deeply, evoking sincere empathy from the audience. Both portrayals are poignant and unforgettable, making them standout moments in this thrilling concluding chapter.
Behind the scenes
The final episodes feature a wealth of impressive production design alongside some exhilarating moments, with the closing scene of the finale sure to spark lively discussions.
Visually, Squid Game continues to excel. From its sterile dormitories to its nightmarish playgrounds, every frame is crafted with intention. The color palette remains psychologically unsettling.
Hwang Dong-hyuk demonstrates once again his skill in orchestrating psychological battles disguised as children’s games. Added to it is the captivating production design, with surreal pastels juxtaposed against life-or-death stakes that elevates the narrative.
Full credit to the Production designer Chae Kyoung-sun who transforms jungle gyms into harrowing chambers, while composer Jung Jae-il’s score oscillates between lullabies and death marches. Everything is hauntingly precise — a playhouse for children that echoes with a deathly rattle.
Final Verdict
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s finale not only revisits the dystopian world we watched with rapt attention in 2021; it reshapes it, darkens its palette further, and introduces some unexpected players — including, strangely enough, a baby. He deserves recognition for how he utilizes the greed factor to reveal not just the characters’ desperation but also their evolving moral boundaries. He skillfully crafts a narrative around a simple question that demonstrates who truly holds the power, not through brute force, but by convincing the players that they have a choice.
In the end, while Season 3 may not fully replicate the groundbreaking influence of the original, it effectively revitalizes the series’ momentum and provides a satisfying yet shocking conclusion. Thus, Squid Game remains a captivating and culturally significant thriller that profoundly reveals the darker sides of human nature and the corruptive grip of greed, persistently challenging its audience.
Squid Game Season 3, a gut-wrenching finale that hinges on greed and sacrifice maintains the show’s signature dark and intense tone while enriching the characters and emotional depth. With compelling storytelling, striking visuals, and a hauntingly authentic atmosphere, this season will undoubtedly leave you craving more.
