Sweet Home (TV series)

Sweet Home, a Korean TV series, has certainly made a name for itself since its release in December 2020. Based on a semi-popular web-comic by the same name, the horror-thriller has captivated audiences with its unique take on the “monstrous” genre, blending apocalyptic elements with social commentary.

Set in an apartment complex, Sweet Home follows the life of a reclusive teenager named Cha Hyun-soo (played by Song Kang), who is forced to confront the horrors of the world outside when he is locked in with a horde of mutated humans. Each of the characters is battling their own inner demons while fighting to survive in this post-apocalyptic world.

While a show about mutated monsters may not seem “social commentary” material, Sweet Home is more than just cheap jump scares. The monsters are merely a manifestation of the human condition. Director Lee Eung-bok and screenwriter Kim Hyung-min have created a world where humans are their worst enemy. As an audience, we are forced to question the actions and motives of each character. The monsters are not the central focus, but rather a unique insight into the psyche of those trapped in the apartment complex.

Each character represents a different aspect of the human condition. Lee Eun-hyuk (Lee Jin-uk), a former firefighter, is a noble figurehead embodying the human need for self-sacrifice. The main protagonist, Cha, represents the struggle with mental illness, a theme that is touched on lightly in the comic book, but to a much greater extent, in the TV show. Cha is struggling with the loss of his family and suicidal ideation. His depiction is not exaggerated for dramatic effect but handled with sensitivity.

Seo Yi-Kyung (Lee Si-young) represents the pervasiveness of social media in Korean society. Yi-Kyung is a famous YouTuber who is so engrossed in her public persona that she barely gives a second thought to the horrors around her. Her character arc is a direct indictment of our own obsession with “likes” and “views.” We are so obsessed with our online image that we fail to see the horrors of the world outside.

The series is meticulous in its execution. The cinematography is stunning, with the colour scheme shifting as the mood of the characters changes. The background score is effective in its ability to set the tone; it never feels overbearing or manipulative. The story takes its time in building up the suspense, with a gradual increase in tension with each episode.

Sweet Home is also visually arresting. The monsters are incredibly well-designed, with a range of unique features. From the spider-like creature of episode one to the gigantic centipede of the final episode, each monster has its own twisted appeal.

While some aspects of the show are hard to watch, the overall tone is one of hope. The series posits that even in the darkest of times, people can band together to survive. There is some commentary on the state of the world that led to the horrors depicted in the story. But, in the end, the series is about the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

The show is not without its flaws. Some of the subplots are underdeveloped, and some of the dialogue is clunky. The ending is also somewhat rushed, with some threads left hanging. But, these minor criticisms do not detract from the overall impact of the show.

In conclusion, Sweet Home is an excellent addition to the pantheon of horror-thriller shows. Its unique take on the genre sets it apart from its contemporaries. The series is filled with tension, great performances, and a message of hope that is much needed in these times. Sweet Home is a journey into the horror of humanity, but it’s also a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is light.