Hello, everyone! How’s it going? Today, I want to discuss a series I’ve eagerly awaited – “Newtopia” on Prime Video. It’s quite the unexpected mix: Jisoo from BLACKPINK, zombies, and romantic comedy all intertwined! When I first saw the trailer, I thought, “This could either be amazing or a total flop.” Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both, but in an entertaining way!
Advertisements
### Jisoo’s Bold Move Into New Territory
First off, let’s address the obvious: Jisoo from BLACKPINK in a zombie series! Following the success of “Snowdrop”, fans were excited to see her back on screen. What a daring choice! She portrays Kang Young-joo, a rookie trying to navigate life amidst a zombie apocalypse.
You’ve got to commend her: she fully committed to the action scenes. The director mentioned she dedicated nearly a year to filming and underwent rigorous physical training. Just picture Jisoo sprinting from zombies, engaging in battles, and performing stunts… It’s surreal! And guess what? She exceeded my expectations.
### Park Jeong-min: The Emotional Core
While Jisoo is the surprise, Park Jeong-min serves as the emotional foundation of the series. This actor is INCREDIBLE! He plays Lee Jae-yoon, a man who joined the army a bit later in life and grapples with anxieties about the future. When the zombie apocalypse strikes, he must step up as the leader of his squad, despite being the most uncertain member of the group.
The character’s development is a joy to witness. Initially, he’s that lost guy who is only certain about one thing: his love for his girlfriend. As the series unfolds and he confronts zombies, he evolves both as a person and a leader. Park Jeong-min captures every facet of this transformation brilliantly.
### The Breakup at the Worst Possible Moment
The premise of the series is clever: Jae-yoon and Young-joo end their relationship via phone at the EXACT moment the zombie apocalypse erupts in Seoul. Perfect timing, right? They were already facing challenges due to his military service and her career launch, which caused some tension.
So, on the very day they choose to separate, the city descends into chaos with zombies everywhere. Now they must battle to reunite while trying to survive. It’s as if the universe said, “You want to break up? How about doing it during an apocalypse?”
### Comedy Meets Zombies: The Zom-Com Genre
The series markets itself as a “zom-com” (zombie comedy), and surprisingly, this combination works far better than I anticipated! The terrifying zombie moments are interspersed with comedic scenes, particularly involving Jae-yoon and his military peers. The humor feels organic, arising naturally from the bizarre situations they encounter.
One scene stands out where they’re trapped atop a luxury skyscraper in Gangnam while zombies ascend the stairs, and the guys are attempting to uphold military protocol amidst the chaos. It’s both hilarious and suspenseful!
### The Talented Team Behind the Camera
Guys, take a look at the creators of this series: directed by Yoon Sung-hyun (known for “Bleak Night” and “Time to Hunt”), with a script co-written by Han Jin-won (from “Parasite!”) and Ji Ho-jin (from “A Shop for Killers”). With such a talented crew, you know the quality is assured.
And it’s not just the creative team impressing viewers. The production values are high – evident in the quality of action sequences, the zombies’ special effects, and the cinematography. Each scene feels cinematic, not like a typical TV series.
### Seoul Transformed into an Apocalyptic Landscape
One aspect that amazed me was how they adapted Seoul into a post-apocalyptic backdrop. Seeing famous tourist locations overrun by zombies is eerie! The series effectively utilizes Seoul’s geography, especially the Gangnam area, where much of the action unfolds.
The zombies themselves are well-crafted – no cheap CGI here. They evoke fear when necessary, but without overdoing the gore. It strikes an intriguing balance that keeps the series accessible even for those who aren’t horror aficionados.
### A Relationship That Gradually Wins
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the chemistry between Jisoo and Park Jeong-min at first. It felt slightly forced, you know? However, as the series progresses and reveals more flashbacks of their relationship, things improve significantly.
The flashbacks illustrate how they met and fell in love, and these scenes are genuinely heartwarming. Understanding how their relationship developed sheds light on why they are fighting so desperately to reunite amid the apocalypse. It’s about true love, beyond mere physical attraction.
### Jisoo’s Growth as an Actress
I must highlight Jisoo’s performance. Yes, she’s still finding her footing as an actress, but she has made significant strides since “Snowdrop”! The action scenes particularly showcase a more self-assured and determined Jisoo.
She mentioned discovering her enjoyment for filming action sequences. And you can definitely see it! There’s a breathtaking scene where she battles zombies in a single take, showcasing her serious preparation for these moments.
### Genuine Moments of Tension
Despite the comedic elements, “Newtopia” doesn’t shy away from building tension. There are genuinely frightening moments that keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the characters to make it out alive. The series skillfully balances humor with suspense, ensuring you remain captivated.
Particularly the scenes in the skyscraper, where Jae-yoon’s squad is trapped and searching for an escape route, feel claustrophobic yet infused with comedic relief at the right moments.
### A Controversial Conclusion
Without revealing any major spoilers, the series’ ending is somewhat divisive. Some viewers loved it, while others were left frustrated. It features an open ending that leaves several questions unanswered, paving the way for a potential second season.
What I can share is that the reunion between Jae-yoon and Young-joo is thrilling, but it comes with unexpected twists. There’s even a mysterious supernatural entity that appears in the final episodes – as if zombies alone weren’t enough!
### Comparing with Other Zombie K-Dramas
It’s hard not to draw comparisons between “Newtopia” and other genre favorites like “Kingdom”, “Sweet Home”, and “All of Us Are Dead”. Honestly, “Newtopia” stands apart from those. It’s lighter, more romance-focused, and carries a more hopeful tone.
While other zombie dramas emphasize horror and despair, “Newtopia” centers on love and hope amidst chaos. It’s a refreshing perspective on the genre that might even appeal to those who typically shy away from zombies.
### Is It Worth Your Time?
The pressing question is: is it worth watching? My response depends on what you seek. If you’re looking for a gritty, dark zombie series, this might not be for you. However, if you’re in the mood for a fun blend of action, comedy, and romance with a hint of apocalypse, “Newtopia” delivers.
The series does have its flaws – pacing can be inconsistent, some character choices may seem questionable, and not all storylines are deeply explored. But the charm lies in its distinctiveness. It’s a series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s refreshing.
### For Jisoo Enthusiasts and New Viewers
If you’re a fan of Jisoo or BLACKPINK, it’s definitely worth a watch to see her in a radically different role. And if you haven’t witnessed her acting before, this could be a great introduction – it’s much more dynamic than “Snowdrop”.
For k-drama enthusiasts in general, it’s an intriguing choice if you’re after something different from the usual fare. It may not be a masterpiece, but it offers quality entertainment with a unique premise.