KPop Demon Hunters review: This is Netflix's most fun animated film yet

India Today

5 days ago

Demons, drama and a whole lot of K-pop - sounds exciting, isn't it? A new animated title on Netflix delivers on all three fronts with surprising flair and how! 'KPop Demon Hunters' is everything its title suggests. A high-energy blend of bubblegum pop, mystical demon lore, and the kind of emotional storytelling that hits all the right notes. It's loud, flashy, heartfelt, and just the kind of chaotic fun you expect when K-pop idols moonlight as supernatural warriors.advertisementSet in a universe where pop stars double as demon hunters (naturally), the story follows Rumi, a half-human, half-demon high schooler who leads the girl group Huntrix alongside Mira and Zoey. Together, they must balance their rising music careers with the not-so-small task of saving humanity from the demon world's overlord, Gwi-Ma. Along the way, Rumi develops a bond with Jinu, a former human-turned-demon, and their complicated, slow-burn relationship quietly becomes the emotional backbone of the film.What makes 'KPop Demon Hunters' work is that it doesn't try too hard to be taken seriously. The narrative is fully aware of its own theatricality, and leans into it with a wink. It's 'Think Boy With Luv' meets 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', but in pastel tones. The songs are absolute bops, reminiscent of the early 2000s K-pop era of pop-punk playfulness. Soda Pop might even bring to mind tracks like ASTRO's 'Candy Sugar Pop' or BTS' 'Boy With Luv' - light as they share the same DNA of being catchy and addictive.advertisement
The animation deserves its own shout-out, and it's gorgeously rendered and sharply choreographed. The facial expressions are hilariously dramatic, an anime influence that adds to the campy fun, and the fight scenes are stunningly kinetic without ever getting too dark or gory. One of the film's strengths is its voice acting. The performances feel natural and immersive and the chemistry between the main trio is equally strong. Each girl has a distinct personality, yet they bounce off one another effortlessly. What truly lingers, though, is the connection between Rumi and Jinu, voiced by K-drama favourite Ahn Hyo-seop. Their relationship is simple, sincere, and emotionally grounded, with their bond forged due to shared pain, which adds an emotional arc to their stories without overpowering the film.The film doesn't shy away from heavier themes either - be it shame, identity, and self-acceptance; it quietly weaves itself into the plot. While it stays largely on the surface, there's enough depth to give the glitter some grit.Villain Gwi-Ma, while not overly active, leaves a strong impression as the puppet master of chaos. He raises the deeper question: Are demons evil by choice, or by design?That said, 'KPop Demon Hunters' isn't without its flaws. Some secondary characters, like Jinu's bandmates, the Saja Boys, deserved more development. A longer format might have given room for their arcs and added depth to Rumi and Jinu's connection.advertisementBut these are small quibbles in what is otherwise a thrilling ride. The movie hits the right balance between emotional beats and comic relief, making you chuckle and soft sighs in equal measure. And just when you think it's all fluff, it throws in a moment of genuine pathos that compels you to take note and think.Ultimately, 'KPop Demon Hunters' succeeds because it knows what it wants to be - a fun, emotionally sincere, musically rich ride that celebrates friendship, courage, and finding yourself in unexpected places.The film is not perfect, but easily one of Netflix's most refreshing animated films in recent memory. And yes, we're hoping for a sequel, or better yet, a full-fledged series.- Ends3.5 out of 5 stars for 'K-pop Demon Hunters'.