Critics Review Korean Thriller 'The Frog'

The Frog, a new South Korean thriller on Netflix, explores themes of crime and mystery through its intricate plot and character development, although it is criticized for being a pastiche of better-known Western formats. The series follows a detective, Yoon Bo-min, as she investigates a brutal serial killer, Yoo Seong-a, whose violent actions disrupt a small town. However, despite its atmospheric tension and detailed cinematography, The Frog has been described as lacking coherence and originality, with some performances veering into overacting. Meanwhile, Strange Darling presents a fragmented narrative that subverts expectations, focusing on a serial killer's rampage across America while maintaining a darkly erotic tone. Both series reflect the growing influence of South Korean cinema and television, building on the success of global hits like Squid Game and Parasite. Despite their distinct approaches, both shows highlight the complexities of human nature amidst violence and deception.