Hello, everyone! How’s it going? Today, I want to share my thoughts on a series I’ve been eagerly anticipating – “Newtopia” on Prime Video. It’s such an unexpected blend: Jisoo from BLACKPINK, zombies, and romantic comedy all rolled into one! When I first watched the trailer, I thought, “this could be either amazing or a total flop”. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both, but in a delightful way!
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Jisoo Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone (Big Time!)
First off, let’s address the major topic: Jisoo from BLACKPINK in a zombie series! Following the success of “Snowdrop”, fans were excited to see her back on screen. And wow, what a bold choice for a project! She portrays Kang Young-joo, a rookie professional trying to navigate her life amid a zombie apocalypse.
You have to admire her dedication: she truly immersed herself in the action sequences. The director mentioned that she spent nearly a year filming and underwent rigorous physical training. Just picture Jisoo evading zombies, engaging in combat, performing stunts… it’s surreal! And guess what? She exceeded my expectations.
Park Jeong-min: The Emotional Core of the Series
While Jisoo is the surprise package, Park Jeong-min serves as the emotional backbone that ties everything together. This actor is INCREDIBLE! He takes on the role of Lee Jae-yoon, a man who joins the army later in life and is full of uncertainties about his future. When the zombie apocalypse strikes, he must rise to lead his team, even though he’s the most hesitant member of the group. The character’s growth is a pleasure to witness. Initially, he’s a bit lost, only certain about his love for his girlfriend. As the series unfolds and he confronts the zombies, he evolves both personally and as a leader. Park Jeong-min captures every facet of this transformation brilliantly.
The Breakup That Couldn’t Have Happened at a Worse Time
The series’ premise is fantastic: Jae-yoon and Young-joo end their relationship over the phone just as the zombie apocalypse kicks off in Seoul. Talk about timing, right? They were facing challenges due to his military service and her budding career, and the distance was straining their relationship.
So, on the very day they decide to go their separate ways, chaos erupts as zombies swarm the city. Now, they must fight to survive and find their way back to each other. It’s as if the universe said, “You want to break up? How about doing it during an apocalypse?”
Zombies Plus Romance Equals Zom-Com!
The series brands itself as a “zom-com” (zombie comedy), and let me tell you, this combination works better than I anticipated! The moments of horror are balanced with hilarious scenes, especially those featuring Jae-yoon and his fellow soldiers. The humor feels natural, emerging organically from the absurd situations they encounter.
There’s one standout scene where they find themselves trapped atop a luxury skyscraper in Gangnam while zombies ascend the stairs, and the guys attempt to maintain military order amidst the pandemonium. It’s both funny and intense!
The Dream Team Behind the Lens
Check out the creative minds behind this series: directed by Yoon Sung-hyun (known for “Bleak Night” and “Time to Hunt”), with the script co-written by Han Jin-won (from “Parasite”) and Ji Ho-jin (from “A Shop for Killers”). With such a team, you can expect top-notch quality.
And it’s not just the creative direction that impresses. The production poured significant resources into this project – evident in the quality of the action sequences, the zombie special effects, and the cinematography. Each shot resembles a cinematic masterpiece rather than a typical TV series.
Seoul as a Post-Apocalyptic Landscape
One of the most striking aspects was how they converted Seoul into a post-apocalyptic backdrop. Witnessing iconic tourist spots overrun by zombies is truly unsettling! The series effectively utilizes Seoul’s geography, especially the Gangnam district where a lot of the action occurs.
The zombies are well-crafted – no low-quality CGI here. They are frightening when necessary, without overdoing the gore. This creates a nice balance that keeps the series accessible, even for those who aren’t horror aficionados.
The Relationship That Progresses Gradually
To be honest, I wasn’t fully convinced about the chemistry between Jisoo and Park Jeong-min at first. It felt slightly contrived, you know? But as the series advances and reveals more flashbacks of their relationship, it improves significantly.
The flashbacks show how they met and fell in love, and these moments are genuinely tender. Observing their relationship’s evolution helps clarify why they’re fighting so hard to reconnect amid the chaos. It’s about genuine love rather than mere physical attraction.
Jisoo’s Growth as an Actress
I must mention Jisoo’s performance. Yes, she’s still carving her niche as an actress, but she has made significant strides since “Snowdrop”! The action scenes especially showcase a more assured and determined Jisoo.
She mentioned that she discovered her passion for filming action sequences. And you can see it! There’s a breathtaking scene where she fights zombies in one continuous shot, demonstrating her serious commitment to preparation for these moments.
The Genuine Moments of Tension
Despite its comedic elements, “Newtopia” doesn’t shy away from delivering real tension. There are genuinely terrifying moments that keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the characters to survive. The series skillfully blends humor with suspense, ensuring you remain captivated.
Particularly the scenes in the skyscraper, where Jae-yoon’s team is cornered and seeks a way out. It feels like a claustrophobic action film, yet with comedic elements that provide much-needed relief from the tension.
The Controversial Ending
Without revealing significant spoilers, the series conclusion is somewhat divisive. Some viewers loved it, while others were left frustrated. It features an open ending that leaves several questions unanswered, hinting at 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 introduced in the final episodes – as if zombies weren’t enough!
Comparing with Other Zombie K-Dramas
It’s hard not to compare “Newtopia” to other hits in the genre like “Kingdom”, “Sweet Home”, and “All of Us Are Dead”. Honestly, “Newtopia” distinguishes itself from all of these. It’s lighter, more centered on romance, and carries a hopeful tone.
While other zombie dramas delve into horror and despair, “Newtopia” focuses on finding love and hope even amidst turmoil. It’s a refreshing take on the genre that might appeal to those who don’t typically enjoy zombies.
Is It Worth Your Time?
The burning question is: should you watch it? My response is: it depends on your preferences. If you’re after a serious, dark zombie series, this might not be the one for you. However, if you seek an entertaining blend of action, humor, and romance set against an apocalyptic backdrop, “Newtopia” delivers.
The series has its flaws – the pacing can be uneven, some character choices are puzzling, and not all narrative threads are well-developed. Yet, its charm lies in its uniqueness. It’s a show 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 tuning in to see her in an entirely different light. And if you haven’t seen her act before, this could be a great introduction – it’s much more action-packed than “Snowdrop”.
For k-drama fans in general, it’s an intriguing option if you’re after something different from the norm. It may not be a masterpiece, but it’s quality entertainment with a unique concept.