The global current most popular film on Netflix is not a Hollywood blockbuster but a South Korean animation. KPop Demon Hunters is an animated musical, action film that has been produced by Sony Pictures Animation.
It was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, from a screenplay by Kang, Appelhans, and Hannah McMechan and Danya Jimenez, which was based on a story conceived by Kang. The film stars the voices of Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung-hun.
The film’s synopsis reads: « When they aren’t selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise. »
With an impressive 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, critics are rating the animation highly.
One critic wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: « I was laughing out loud throughout, and felt genuinely invested in the characters and their journeys – its central theme and arc proving compelling and touching. And, it has to be said again, that soundtrack really is just wall to wall bangers. »
Another critic described the film as « amazing » with another adding: « It’s so enjoyable. The humor, the action, the comradery, the beautiful animation. Very entertaining. »
« Probably the year’s funniest animated feature, from the interactions between the three distinct personalities of our heroines to the portrayal of over-the-top fandom, » added a third critic.
Fans have expressed hopes for a sequel, which looks likely as Netflix is in talks with Sony Pictures to a release a second instalment.
One audience reviewer wrote: « It’s a beautiful movie, I can’t wait for the sequel. »
Another fan wrote a rave review: « Not that much of a fan of K-pop, but this movie? I can’t help but watch it over and over! The plot was nice, and the animation? Soooo good! The songs in this movie—can’t get enough of them. I’m so drawn to it, I absolutely love it! I really hope there’s a sequel. »
KPop Demon Hunters is available to stream on Netflix now.
