Hey there, everyone! Hope you’re doing well. Today, I want to discuss a series I’ve eagerly anticipated – “Newtopia” on Prime Video. And wow, what an unexpected mix: Jisoo from BLACKPINK, zombies, and a romantic comedy all rolled into one! When I first saw the trailer, I thought it could either be amazing or a total flop. Spoiler: it’s a bit of both, but in an entertaining way!
Jisoo’s Bold Move into Zombie Territory
Let’s address the obvious: Jisoo from BLACKPINK starring in a zombie series! After “Snowdrop”‘s success, fans were excited to see her return to the screen. And what a daring choice this project was! She portrays Kang Young-joo, a young professional trying to find her path amidst a zombie outbreak.
Credit where it’s due: she fully committed to the action scenes. According to the director, she spent nearly a year filming and underwent rigorous physical training. Imagine Jisoo sprinting away from zombies, battling, performing stunts… It’s mind-blowing! And guess what? She exceeded my expectations.
Park Jeong-min: The Emotional Pillar
While Jisoo is the surprise, Park Jeong-min serves as the emotional core holding everything together. This actor is INCREDIBLE! He takes on the role of Lee Jae-yoon, a man who joined the army later than most and is riddled with future uncertainties. As the zombie apocalypse unfolds, he must lead his squad despite being the most unsure among them.
Watching Jae-yoon’s development is captivating. Initially lost in life, the only certainty he has is his love for his girlfriend. With each encounter with zombies, he evolves both personally and as a leader. Park Jeong-min captures every aspect of this transformation with brilliance.
A Breakup Amidst Chaos
The series’ concept is ingenious: Jae-yoon and Young-joo decide to break up over the phone at the EXACT moment the zombie apocalypse strikes Seoul. Talk about timing! Their relationship was strained due to his army duties and her career launch, creating distance between them.
On the very day they opt for a break, chaos erupts with zombies everywhere. Now, they must strive to reunite and survive simultaneously. It’s as if fate asked, “You want to break up? How about during an apocalypse?”
Zombies Meet Romance: A Zom-Com!
The series brands itself as a “zom-com” (zombie comedy), and surprisingly, this blend works better than expected! The terrifying zombie moments are seamlessly interspersed with comical scenes, particularly involving Jae-yoon and his military buddies. The humor isn’t forced; it emerges naturally from their absurd situations.
One standout scene depicts them stranded atop a luxury skyscraper in Gangnam while zombies ascend the stairs, trying to uphold military hierarchy amidst the chaos. It’s both hilarious and tense!
A Stellar Team Behind the Lens
Check out the powerhouse team behind this series: directed by Yoon Sung-hyun (known for “Bleak Night” and “Time to Hunt”), with a script co-written by Han Jin-won (of “Parasite” fame) and Ji Ho-jin (from “A Shop for Killers”). With such talent, quality is assured.
And it’s not just the creative minds that stand out. The production heavily invested – evident in the action scenes, zombie special effects, and cinematography. Each shot feels more like a movie than a TV series.
Transforming Seoul into an Apocalypse
I was particularly impressed by how Seoul was transformed into a post-apocalyptic landscape. Seeing iconic city landmarks overtaken by zombies is chilling! The series makes excellent use of Seoul’s geography, especially the Gangnam area, where much of the action unfolds.
The zombies are well-executed – no cheap CGI here. They’re frightening when needed, but the gore isn’t overdone. This balance makes the series accessible even to those not typically fond of horror.
A Relationship That Gradually Shines
I’ll admit: initially, I wasn’t fully convinced of the chemistry between Jisoo and Park Jeong-min. It felt slightly forced, you know? However, as the series reveals more flashbacks of their relationship, it significantly improves.
The flashbacks illustrate how they met and fell in love, and these scenes are genuinely endearing. Understanding their relationship’s development clarifies why they fight so hard to reunite amidst the apocalypse. It’s about true love, not mere attraction.
Jisoo’s Growth as an Actress
I must mention Jisoo’s acting. Yes, she’s still finding her footing as an actress, but she has progressed significantly since “Snowdrop”! Especially in the action scenes, she exudes confidence and determination.
She mentioned discovering a passion for filming action sequences, and it’s visible! There’s one breathtaking scene where she battles zombies in a single take. It’s evident she prepared extensively for these moments.
Moments of Genuine Suspense
Though comedic, “Newtopia” doesn’t shy away from tension. There are genuinely frightening moments that keep you on edge, rooting for the characters’ survival. The series deftly balances humor with suspense, ensuring you’re captivated throughout.
Particularly the skyscraper scenes, where Jae-yoon’s squad is trapped, searching for an escape. It’s akin to a claustrophobic action film, sprinkled with timely comedic relief.
The Polarizing Finale
Without revealing major plot points, the series’ ending is somewhat divisive. Some fans adored it, while others felt let down. It’s one of those open-ended conclusions, leaving questions unanswered and hinting at a potential second season.
What I can share is that Jae-yoon and Young-joo’s reunion is heartfelt, accompanied by unexpected twists. There’s even a mysterious supernatural creature in the final episodes – as if zombies weren’t enough!
Comparisons with Other Zombie K-Dramas
Comparing “Newtopia” to other genre hits like “Kingdom”, “Sweet Home”, and “All of Us Are Dead” is inevitable. Truthfully, “Newtopia” stands apart. It’s lighter, focuses more on romance, and maintains a more hopeful tone.
While other zombie dramas emphasize horror and despair, “Newtopia” centers on finding love and optimism amidst chaos. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, appealing even to those typically uninterested in zombies.
Is It a Must-Watch?
The pressing question: is it worth watching? My answer: it depends on your preferences. If you’re seeking a dark, intense zombie series, this might not be for you. But if you’re after a fun blend of action, comedy, and romance with a hint of apocalypse, “Newtopia” delivers.
The series isn’t without flaws – the pacing can be uneven, some character choices are puzzling, and not all plotlines are fully developed. Yet, its charm lies in its distinctiveness. It’s a series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering a refreshing experience.
For Fans of Jisoo and Fresh Faces
If you’re a Jisoo or BLACKPINK fan, it’s definitely worth your time to see her explore a new role. And if you’re new to her acting, this could be a great introduction – it’s more dynamic than “Snowdrop”.
For k-drama enthusiasts, it’s a unique option when looking for something different from the norm. It’s not a masterpiece, but it offers quality entertainment with a unique premise.