On Sept. 17, Netflix released its potentially most-viewed series on the platform — and the series originated in Korea. The fact that a Korean series is popular isn’t what’s shocking. No, the thing which is shocking everyone is the hyperviolence and brutality of “Squid Game.” Memes, YouTube video analyses, the topic trending on social media — content about the show is abundant. People know about “Squid Game” even if they haven’t seen the show.
The show is about several hundred contestants who are all in debt and desperately need money. They signed up for this game show hoping to win millions. They didn’t anticipate, however, that they signed away their lives. Each game is like a childhood playground game, such as “Red Light, Green Light,” except mistakes are fatal. Around half of the contestants are coldly shot within that first game. There is profusive swearing, gambling, sex, suicide, beatings, and, of course, unabashed violence.
“Squid Game” has a very clear message. Money is corrupting the contestants, and money has corrupted the rich, who are funding everything and gambling on a winner. The show is full of great storytelling, brilliant aesthetic and a resonating theme. Yet, it is also portraying human wickedness on a deep and dark level that is hard to watch, and yet that is the point.
However, if the show is commenting on people watching violence for fun, what does make the audience watch on Netflix? Is the show, in a roundabout way, commenting on how we are consuming violence for fun, and is it morally questionable too? This is one of many layers to “Squid Game.”
As Christians, it is very challenging to find a balance when it comes to media consumption. Countless amounts of award-winning television are full of those same elements: sex, gambling, swearing and violence. They are critically acclaimed and become part of the cultural sphere, making one feel left out if they’ve missed the last “Game of Thrones” episode or never saw “Breaking Bad.” Netflix is especially notorious for being full of questionable content ranging in violence and graphic sex.
As Christians, is the show “Squid Game” acceptable to watch, or is it too dark and too bloody?
Perhaps a balance can be reached for Christians when deciding what content to watch. “Squid Game” is massively successful and for a reason: it has notable attributes in theme, characters being well-acted, set design and costuming, music, etc. Its violence, also, very likely led to shock appeal and its trending success. Christians may have to decide for themselves what they feel is appropriate and in line with Scripture, whether the media will do harm or potentially move someone with a powerful message.
Featured photo courtesy of Netflix.