Netflix's newest thriller leaves viewers shell-shocked, draws comparisons to Squid Game

Virgin Radio

20 May 2024, 14:48

Netflix viewers have been left ‘traumatised’ after tuning into a new South Korean thriller series that’s being likened to the smash hit Squid Game.

Released just last week, The 8 Show tells the harrowing story of eight individuals in desperate need of money who are invited to participate in a mysterious reality show.

Trapped in an eight-storey building, they can earn money by the hour, with the potential to rake in more cash the longer they stay.

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However, there’s a sinister twist. Apart from food and water, all other resources are priced at 1000 times their regular cost.

Contestants must earn hours by pleasing an unseen audience lurking behind the cameras.

If a contestant dies—or is murdered—everyone loses, adding an extra layer of suspense and danger.

As time ticks away, the contestants discover that some of them are earning more than others, leading to tension and unrest.

The 8 Show, based on the Naver webtoons Money Game and Pie Game by Bae Jin-soo, has been described as a ‘slow-burn series that reveals just how vulnerable humans are to the darkest sides of a hyper-capitalist society.’

Unsurprisingly, it’s already drawing comparisons to Squid Game, another dark comedy thriller that captivated audiences worldwide.

The series has left viewers deeply unsettled with its intense storyline and moral quandaries.

One user, Pat, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their shock: ‘Finished #The8Show….Wow. Just wow. I have no words other than that.’

Another viewer, expressed their discomfort: "God I’ve just watched #The8Show and with no exaggeration, it’s the WILDEST, SICKEST and CRAZIEST show I’ve EVER watched.

"But the worst thing is that I have to sleep now and I don’t know if I can because my brain has to process ALL THAT omfggggg."

A further added their two cents, saying: "Been watching #The8Show on Netflix. It’s insane. Writers did a good job on making me hate these characters."

Others have labelled the series as ‘wild,’ ‘sick,’ and ‘diabolically evil,’ with some admitting they were left ‘screaming at the TV’ or ‘traumatised.’

One viewer shared their surprise at the show’s originality, stating: "I thought The 8 Show was going to be a Squid Game knock-off, but it is its own horror. I love it."

For those who can’t get enough of these intense thrillers, there’s good news on the horizon.

The second season of Squid Game is set to hit screens later this year.

A teaser trailer released in February shows Lee Jung-jae reprising his role as Seong Gi-hun, the lone survivor of the deadly games, sporting pink hair and strolling through what appears to be a train station or airport.

An ominous voice speaks to him on the phone, warning, ‘You’ll regret your decision.’

Undeterred, Seong Gi-hun responds menacingly, ‘I will find you. No matter what it takes.’

This brief glimpse has already sparked a flurry of excitement among fans, many of whom are eagerly counting down the days until the show’s return.

Whether it’s the fresh horror of The 8 Show or the highly anticipated continuation of Squid Game, it’s clear that Netflix is once again capturing the imaginations—and fears—of its audience.