Written by Melly Merida
Sony Pictures Animation Studios (Across the Spider-Verse) has released another eye-catching animated film called K-Pop Demon Hunters. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, it’s filled with beautifully stylized animation, classic K-Pop, and lovable characters.
The film contains an inspiring plot regarding a K-Pop girl group called Huntrix, consisting of Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo). This trio is given a great responsibility passed down through generations to defend the world from demons that come out from the Underworld to steal the souls of innocent people. Their music can keep the demons at bay underneath the Honmoon (a protective layer that prevents demons from breaking through) — that is, until the demons decide to make a K-pop boy group to rival the Hunters.
Music plays a significant role in the film. The Hunters use their voices to fend off the demons, while using the melody to touch the souls of their fans to help strengthen the Honmoon. The music in K-Pop Demon Hunters is fantastic, with a mix of fun, heartbreaking, romantic, and uplifting songs. Mostly, the film plays out like a musical, where the characters can’t help but sing out their emotions.
K-Pop Demon Hunter honors its title by touching upon K-pop idol culture, having songs such as “Strategy” and “Takedown (Twice Ver.),” sung by an actual K-pop girl group called Twice. Additionally, you see fans carrying lightsticks, banners, fans, and posters, with the Huntrix or Saja Boys’ (the demon boy band) logo similar to how fans in real life would for their favorite groups.
It’s no surprise that the animation for this film is stellar. There’s a neat blend of styles, such as realism, anime, cartoon, and elements of South Korean culture. The fight and dance choreography transitions well into each other, pleasing the eye. The colors practically pop out of the screen, flourishing with this mystical world, along with the designs of Huntrix, the Saja Boys, and the demons.
Our three main girls are downright hysterical. Every moment they are together captures the beauty of girlhood and friendship. It is clear from the start that each of these girls is a bunch of misfits who came together as a family. The animators don’t shy away from giving them the goofiest expressions and the quirkiest personalities. Together, they shine on the stage as much as they do on the battlefield. Rumi is our main protagonist. She’s married to the job of an idol, but her confidence and passion to save the world know no bounds. Mira is the classic stoic girl caricature, but she cares deeply about the other Hunters and is almost like the group’s big sister. Zoey, the youngest, is bubbly and quite aggressive for someone her size; her scenes often made me laugh.
The Saja Boys are also a blast. Their rivalry with Huntrix is hilarious. As the girls try their hardest to eliminate them, the demons continue to play out as handsome, charming idols to steal the hearts (and souls) of Huntrix’s fans. Throughout the film, they become a legitimate threat that pushes the girls’ boundaries and challenges their strong bond. Especially Rumi, who grows a connection with the group leader, Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), begins to experience a significant change in perspective.
While the girls’ dynamic shines, the film focuses solely on Rumi, who carries a burdensome secret that shifts the plot in a new direction. The audience gets to see pieces of Rumi’s backstory and the emotional turmoil she faces throughout most of the film. However, in Mira and Zoey’s case, there isn’t as much emotional depth as there should be. It’s understandable for the film to focus on a singular character rather than juggling three different character storylines. And yet, it would’ve been nice to see more of Mira and Zoey’s backstory to help tie the bond the trio shares. Perhaps even a look to see how they first met or became chosen to be the next protectors of the Honmoon.
There are also some issues with the plot. When Rumi’s secret is first revealed, the plot begins to tread on a fine line between unique and predictable. The characters, by all means, are enjoyable, but the conflicts and the romance feel like they’ve been done before. Then, near the end of the film, Rumi’s secret takes a major toll on her. And while the scene that completes that storyline is beautiful, but the audience never sees Rumi’s resolve.
Still, K-Pop Demon Hunters is a fantastic and exciting watch. For those who missed the style brought by Spider-Verse and love K-pop, I recommend that you give this a watch.
