REVIEW: ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Delivers An Emotion-Filled Finale

Squid Game Season 3, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, picks up right where the previous season left off, with tensions boiling over as the decision to end or continue the games turns violent. This leads Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte) to take drastic measures to try to ensure some innocents may escape the brutality of the games.

As anyone familiar with the franchise would expect, there is an overwhelming sense of bleakness to its finale season. The stakes are high, and the show finds ever-more surprising ways to get them higher as it permits the worst of its characters to plunge deeper into wanton cruelty. The terrible things that happen throughout the six episodes frequently shock, despite the series’ established reputation for not holding back on its painful moments.

However, despite the resounding amount of pain Squid Game Season 3 inflicts on its characters and audience alike, there is always light within the darkness as well. Those lights shine all the brighter here, due to just how dark the story gets. Even as some revel in the shedding of their morality, others cling to it all the more desperately, creating powerful characters and moments that will stick around long after the final credits roll.

Squid Game Season 3 spotlights a huge number of characters.

Perhaps the season’s greatest achievement lies in the sheer number of characters it spotlights at some point. Not only does the series do a fantastic job of sharing the stage amongst the numerous cast members, but it also manages to pull these narrative strands together, bringing virtually all of them to satisfying conclusions.

There is also a striking level of purposefulness that unfolds in these character stories, despite the unexpected nature of many of the final resolutions. Even as mistakes leave scars that drive characters to do things that would’ve been unimaginable an episode earlier, it all makes sense. Despite the desire to surprise, the series never abandons its faithfulness to its characters in favor of shock moments.

Further making Squid Game Season 3 the most compelling season of the series is how expertly it paces these moments out. Carrying the momentum from season two, this season delivers payoff after payoff as the games make ever-increasing demands on its participants. No episode lacks memorable moments. This fantastic pacing and distribution of character resolutions ensure no episode feels slow or is just set up. 

Squid Game Season 3 is full of emotion and great performances.

Augmenting the power of the numerous emotional beats are phenomenal acting performances across the board. Every tragedy and triumph that unfolds in the series hits so powerfully, thanks to the impassioned performances of every actor. Whether their personality is righteous or revolting, everyone gives one hundred percent to convince the audience that what’s happening is real. 

Squid Game Season 3’s powerful characters are further enhanced thanks to the groundwork laid out in the previous season. Group dynamics are frequently already in place, allowing the bonds to deepen and create powerful group dynamics that are more than the sum of their parts. 

The best example of this is how the trio of Kim Jun-hee (Jo Yuri, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land), Jang Guem-ja (Kang Ae-sim, Extraordinary Attorney Woo), and Cho Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon, Queen of Tears) mesh together. The three actors create a powerful dynamic between them that delivers some of the season’s most memorable moments, both uplifting and tragic.

While the entire cast delivers praise-worthy performances, the core of the series remains fixed on Seong. The desperation, determination, and turmoil that ravage the character allow him to always stand out. What Lee brings to the character is astounding. Even when a particular low point for the character renders him inaudible for an extended length of time, Seong’s emotions and presence still blaze white hot thanks to Lee’s brilliant acting. 

Squid Game Season 3’s investment in its story pays off, too, although not to the extent that its character work does. A couple of plot lines feel a bit too obvious in their resolution, creating a few less satisfying moments. While bad, these moments of predictability do leave some minor blemishes on the show’s story. 

One element of the series that does not suffer any hitches is its visual presentation. How shots are laid out and framed is spectacular. A moment’s unease or a dramatic stand pops through their pitch-perfect camera work. There are also some key moments where lighting is wonderfully utilized to deliver another layer to the visual storytelling. 

The music and sound design of Squid Game Season 3 adds a layer of emotion and danger to the story.

Even as much of Squid Game Season 3 delivers emotional impact through surprising twists, one thing that grounds the world in familiarity is the music. Hauntingly familiar tones roll in just when you expect them to. This trademark musical presence ties everything together wonderfully.

The audio work also brings an added layer of danger to the story. Gunfire and other violent events feel like they are driven home through the harshness of their audio delivery. Everything silences when the shooting starts, giving the violence a power over the story that feels more prevalent than in many shows. 

Squid Game Season 3 delivers in almost every way you can ask a finale to. It delivers powerful emotions and surprising twists through a level of polished presentation and pitch-perfect pacing rarely seen.

Squid Game Season 3 is streaming now on Netflix. 

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