REVIEW: ‘Lookism’ Offers a Look at Society And How It Views Us

Content Warning: Lookism Season 1 contains numerous moments of emotional and physical abuse.

Park Hyung Seok is bullied mercilessly at school. Viewed as a “gross” individual by his peers, he is made to run errands and take unending beatings by those who look down on him, even as they ridicule and humiliate him. But when he transfers to a new school, he mysteriously gains a second body. One that is everything society says is desirable. Swapping between two forms of himself, Lookism  from Studio Mir explores what this new perspective teaches Hyung Seok about life and the world around him. The series is based on a South Korean WEBTOON of the same name by Park Taejun.

Beyond my above reservations, this series uses its unique premise to allow Hyung Seok to see both sides of the social spectrum. Since he doesn’t simply transform into a gorgeous version of himself, rather splitting time between his original body and his enhanced one, Seok is constantly reminded of what life continues to be for those not lucky enough to be born with the genetic traits society covets. Through this alternating lens, Lookism manages to deliver a unique approach to its subject matter.

What I like most about this show is how it gradually reveals the complexities of its cast. On the surface, the occupants of Lookism Season 1‘s fictional high school all seem to be indifferent or outright bad individuals who care nothing for those struggling. While this remains largely true, we see several cast members slowly revealed to be more than they first seemed. While some come to take strong direct stands against the lousy treatment others are subjected to, several come to help in more subtle ways. This makes the once two-dimensional cast feel more real. With people landing all over the spectrum of attitudes.

The visuals are the weakest aspect of the show. While never outrightly bad, the series’ look lacks the smoothness that many of the leading series have. While the general animation can be a little wanting, Studio Mir does do a great job of making sure the emotion of the show’s biggest moments always takes center stage. The series never shies away from putting the viewer in the middle of harsh moments, as it does all it can to make the pain and occasional triumph land.

Lookism uses its unique premise well to explore the cruelty society often shows those it deems less than worthy, as well as how much impact a single person unwilling to go along with the crowd can make, even if there are ultimately limits to what just one person can do.

Lookism is streaming now on Netflix.