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.