Why Squid Game is Disturbing but We Can’t Keep Our Eyes Off It

Squid Game is Netflix’s best horror tv series todate. The disturbing and dark nature of these children’s games which are played by adults shows us just how demented some people can become. The story takes place in South Korea where mounting debt is a big social problem. This leads us to question what we wouldn’t do to get an obscene amount of money. And why should we, the viewers, be drawn to a show about simplistic games played by children?

Human Nature is Complex
Denial is Bliss
Money is essential but it is not the only motivator
Human Nature may be evil but there is still hope

1. Squid Game shows us that Human Nature is Complex

Winning $45 billion South Korean Won or $38 million US is a dream not many people would dare to have. Although you have to lie, cheat, steal and even kill to win the money, you may convince yourself to do so. As in real life but not so dramatic, there are no clear “black and white” issues but many “grey” areas.

2. Squid Game teaches us that Denial is Bliss

When you are in denial, you avoid the issues and go along with the flow. Everyone knows that profiteering when someone dies is a bad thing but yet the players follow the absurd rules of the games and look the other way when rival players are killed off. Thus, increasing their share of the prize money.

3. Squid Game emphasizes the Role of Money

We all need money to survive but would you murder someone for it? Given that there are a thousand and one ways to make money, would you be willing to risk your life in exchange for money? Here lies the psychology of the players: the primary motivation for joining the game is that each one of them is laden with escalating debts that they would never be able to pay off in their lifetimes.

4. Squid Game demonstrates that Human Nature may be evil but there is still hope that we will do the right thing

Although the main character, Seong Gi-hun has a gambling addiction, is a lousy father to his daughter and an equally disappointing son to his mother, he would rather forfeit playing the game than kill his friends aka fellow competitors for the money. This shows that no matter how bad the situation is, we can always rise to the occasion to do the right thing.