Squid Game Season 3 Review: A Heart-Wrenching Finale That Redefines Survival Drama
Dive into the gripping conclusion of Netflix’s global phenomenon, Squid Game Season 3, with our in-depth, spoiler-light review.
A Thrilling End to a Global Phenomenon
When Squid Game first premiered in 2021, it took the world by storm, blending South Korean cultural nuances with universal themes of desperation and survival. Fast forward to June 27, 2025, and the third and final season has landed on Netflix, delivering a finale that’s both emotionally devastating and visually stunning. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, this dystopian survival thriller continues to captivate audiences with its raw commentary on capitalism, human nature, and moral collapse. As a film critic, I found myself both haunted and mesmerized by Season 3’s ability to push boundaries while staying true to its roots. Let’s dive into why this season is a must-watch for fans of intense web series and thought-provoking drama.
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A Shattered Hero and a Brutal World
Season 3 picks up immediately after the failed rebellion of Season 2, with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) grappling with the loss of his closest ally, Jung-bae. The once-hopeful gambler is now a broken man, hollowed out by grief and survivor’s guilt. The narrative follows Gi-hun’s desperate mission to dismantle the deadly games orchestrated by the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and the shadowy VIPs. Alongside Gi-hun, we see Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) inching closer to the island’s secrets, while guard Kang No-eul (Park Gyu-young) plots a daring escape. The season introduces new players like the crypto-scammer Myung-gi (Yim Si-wan) and the pregnant Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri), each bringing fresh emotional stakes to the table.
The plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, with games like “Hide and Seek” and “Jump/snake,” which amplify the horror through their simplicity and brutality. Unlike Season 2, which some criticized for its slower pace, Season 3 accelerates the tension with a tighter six-episode arc, ensuring every moment feels urgent. The show’s ability to balance action-packed sequences with quiet, human moments makes it a standout in the survival thriller genre.
[](https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/ott-review-squid-game-season-3-telugu-dubbed-series-on-netflix.html)A Visual Feast of Fear and Color
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s direction remains a masterclass in visual storytelling. The pastel corridors, vibrant game arenas, and chilling synchronicity of the pink-jumpsuited guards create a surreal, Instagram-friendly aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the violence. The “Hide and Seek” game, set in a labyrinth of endless doors, is a visual triumph, with long shots that evoke both claustrophobia and dread. Cinematographer Kim Ji-yong’s work enhances the show’s ability to shift from heart-pounding action to tender, fleeting moments of humanity, like a shared glance between players or a whispered apology. These elements make Squid Game Season 3 a captivating web series that lingers long after the credits roll.
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Standout Performances and Emotional Depth
Lee Jung-jae delivers a career-defining performance as Gi-hun, portraying a man teetering between despair and defiance. His restraint in moments of grief is particularly moving, making Gi-hun’s journey the emotional anchor of the season. Park Sung-hoon’s portrayal of Hyun-ju, a transgender former special forces soldier, adds a layer of complexity, with action sequences that rival Hollywood blockbusters. The ensemble cast, including Kang Ha-neul as the conflicted Dae-ho and Jo Yu-ri as the vulnerable Jun-hee, brings depth to the archetypal characters, making their fates all the more heartbreaking. However, the VIPs’ cartoonish dialogue remains a weak point, occasionally undermining the show’s sincerity.
[](https://www.ign.com/articles/squid-game-review-season-3-netlflix-lee-jung-jae-hwang-dong-hyuk)[](https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/squid-game-3-review-most-devastating-season-also-the-best-of-netflixs-most-ruthless-show-3-5-stars-8797008)A Mirror to Society’s Darkest Corners
Squid Game has always been more than a survival thriller; it’s a scathing critique of capitalism and human desperation. Season 3 doubles down on this, with the VIPs’ gleeful betting on players’ lives reflecting the audience’s own complicity in consuming such violence. The show questions whether hope can survive in a world driven by greed, a theme that resonates globally, from South Korea’s household debt crisis to universal economic struggles. As a critic, I appreciate how Hwang Dong-hyuk refuses to offer easy answers, instead presenting a world where survival feels like a loss. This anti-capitalist undercurrent makes Season 3 a thought-provoking addition to the dystopian web series genre.
[](https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/squid-game-3-review-most-devastating-season-also-the-best-of-netflixs-most-ruthless-show-3-5-stars-8797008)[](https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/squid-game-season-3-review-netflix-show-gets-an-imperfect-but-fitting-finale-hwang-dong-hyuk-lee-jung-jae-lee-byunghun-101751112778603.html)Advertisement
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Hits and Misses of the Finale
Season 3 excels in its emotional intensity and visual flair, recapturing the magic of Season 1 after a divisive Season 2. The games are inventive, and the pacing keeps viewers on edge. However, some subplots, like Jun-ho’s island search, feel underdeveloped, and the VIPs’ dialogue often borders on caricature. While the season ties up major arcs, it leaves room for future exploration, which some may find unsatisfying. Despite these flaws, the show’s ability to shock and provoke makes it a worthy finale.
[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/arts/television/squid-game-season-3-review.html)[](https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/squid-game-season-3-first-reviews/)A Critic’s Take: Why It Resonates
As someone who’s followed Squid Game since its debut, I found Season 3 to be a gut-punch that mirrors our own world’s inequalities. The show’s refusal to glorify violence, instead using it to highlight human fragility, sets it apart from other survival dramas. Watching Gi-hun’s transformation from a naïve gambler to a sacrificial figure felt like a personal journey, reminding me of the small acts of defiance we all undertake in the face of systemic challenges. This season isn’t perfect, but its imperfections make it human, much like its flawed characters.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Thriller Fans
Squid Game Season 3 is a fitting, if imperfect, end to one of Netflix’s greatest shows. Its blend of heart-wrenching drama, social commentary, and cinematic brilliance makes it a standout in the web series landscape. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this season offers a rollercoaster of emotions that’s worth experiencing. Stream it on Netflix and prepare to be challenged, shocked, and moved.
[](https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/squid-game-season-3-first-reviews/)Join the Conversation
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Comment NowMeet the Cast
Lee Jung-jae, Park Sung-hoon, and Jo Yu-ri shine in this thrilling finale. Discover their standout moments!
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