I never did watch Squid Game, Netflix’s record-breaking 2021 hit, an action/drama/mystery about players who accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games. Only to find that they’ve entered a deadly survival game with a 45.6 billion prize at stake. 

I couldn’t watch the original show because the dystopian theme and all the killing just didn’t appeal to me. I still feel the same two years later. However, the good news for me and others like me is that we can finally be part of the Squid Game experience. Especially since Squid Game – The Challenge is far from gory, yet it’s delightfully gripping.

Within the first few episodes, even though I’m not great at games, a small part of me thought that maybe I missed out by not applying as a contestant. However, as the game progressed, my tune was quick to change because, for want of a better phrase, Squid Game – The challenge is cold-blooded. What the producers have delivered is a wonderfully engaging game show. I might even argue that it is the most gripping thing I’ve seen on Netflix in 2023. The game design is clever and, the stakes keep rising in ways that thrill and surprise. 

I admit that I may be enjoying the game show more than most because everything about it is new to me, as a non-watcher of the original show. Nevertheless, I remain entertained in ways that make me want to recommend the show to everyone, even though I know that many fans of the original Squid Game are disappointed that this new version isn’t fully based on the 2021 show in the ways they hoped.

For the aforementioned reasons, I have next to zero complaints about this show. I’m simply far too busy looking forward to the release of the five remaining episodes of this season. Episodes six to nine are due on November 29th, and the finale lands on Netflix on 6th December.

If I had to say one thing I don’t love about Squid Game – The Challenge, it’s the same thing I hate about all game shows; when the edit makes you wait for the answer for what feels like 15 seconds just so they can have you at the edge of your seat in the name of contrived suspense. In such moments, I waste no time hitting the button to skip at least ten seconds ahead, and I urge you to do the same if you feel similarly.

Will you be watching Squid Game The Challenge? If so, be warned that the first five episodes may just steal your entire evening if you’re not careful. 

Happy Film Loving,

G