Squid Game Season 3 Review: A Heart-Wrenching Finale That Pushes Boundaries

Squid Game Season 3 has finally landed on Netflix, and for American audiences, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that both captivates and unsettles. As the final chapter of the South Korean dystopian phenomenon, this season dials up the intensity with darker themes, shocking twists, and a relentless critique of capitalism that resonates deeply in the U.S., where economic disparity is a growing concern. Here’s a spoiler-light review from a USA audience perspective for NRI Globe.

A Familiar Yet Evolving Premise

The show picks up where Season 2 left off, with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) reeling from the horrors of the deadly games. The premise remains chillingly familiar: desperate contestants, drowning in debt, compete in twisted children’s games for a massive cash prize, while the cost of failure is death. For American viewers, the show’s exploration of financial desperation hits close to home, mirroring real-world struggles with student loans, medical debt, and economic uncertainty. The introduction of a new player—a baby forced into the game without consent—adds a gut-punching layer of moral complexity that feels both outrageous and tragically plausible in today’s world.

Why It Resonates with American Audiences

Squid Game has always been more than a blood-soaked thriller; it’s a mirror to society’s flaws. In the U.S., where wealth inequality is stark, the show’s depiction of the ultra-rich VIPs betting on human lives feels like a scathing commentary on unchecked capitalism. Season 3’s darker tone, especially in episodes like the brutal hide-and-seek game with literal daggers, amplifies this critique. American fans on platforms like X have called it “traumatizing” and “heart-wrenching,” with one user lamenting, “I can’t with this f–king show. You will never catch me rewatching this heart-wrenching shit ever again”. The emotional weight of character sacrifices, particularly fan-favorite Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon), strikes a chord with viewers who value diverse representation and complex character arcs.

The show’s pacing, however, might divide audiences. While Season 1 was a tight, binge-worthy thrill ride, Season 3 feels looser, with some moments—like the VIPs’ cringeworthy dialogue—coming off as filler. For Americans used to fast-paced Netflix dramas, these scenes can feel like a drag, though the jaw-dropping final minute (no spoilers!) redeems the slower buildup for many.

Standout Elements

• Performances: Lee Jung-jae delivers an Emmy-worthy performance as Gi-hun, whose silent anguish speaks volumes. Park Sung-hoon’s Hyun-ju, a transgender ex-soldier, is a highlight, bringing depth and action-hero energy that American audiences love.
• Visuals: The candy-colored sets and blood-soaked floors remain visually striking, evoking a mix of nostalgia and horror that’s uniquely gripping.
• Social Commentary: The show’s unapologetic critique of greed and systemic inequality feels tailor-made for U.S. viewers grappling with similar issues, though some may find it heavy-handed.

Criticisms

Season 3 isn’t flawless. The VIPs’ cartoonish dialogue and unnecessary commentary clash with the show’s otherwise grounded tone, a sentiment echoed by critics who call it “clumsily executed”. The decision to split Seasons 2 and 3 feels like a cash grab, diluting the story’s momentum—a frustration for American viewers who prefer concise storytelling. Some plot twists, like the baby’s inclusion, push believability, even for a show about deadly children’s games.

The Verdict

Squid Game Season 3 is a bold, brutal finale that doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries. For American audiences, it’s a gripping mix of spectacle and social critique, though it occasionally stumbles with pacing and over-the-top elements. It’s not as tight as Season 1, but its emotional depth and shocking moments make it a must-watch. Be warned: this season is darker and more traumatic than ever, so brace yourself for heartbreak.

Rating: 4/5 stars
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix