Streaming on Netflix
Like many people my age, I went through a pop-music phase. While I was raised on classic rock and roll, like The Beatles, Jim Croce, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, I also developed a taste for some of the popular artists and bands of my generation, such as Phil Collins and Michael Jackson (yes, I know). For a brief period, I was into some of the early boy bands and girl groups that would go on to shape popular music, for better or for worse. And while I still have a small place in my heart for the likes of *NSYNC* and The Spice Girls, it didn't last very long, nor did it transition into any of the more modern groups, not even the ones from overseas. It wasn't that I didn't like the music or thought the groups were untalented; it just didn't resonate with me the same way it did before.
Not to mention, most modern pop stars not only sound the same, but as a classically trained singer (mostly), I find a lot of modern singing trends to be... how can I put this... gut-wrenchingly painful to listen to, with perhaps a few exceptions. Even so, there's no denying that some of it's catchy and easy to dance to.
While the music style of today's subject, K-POP Demon Hunters, may not be my cup of tea on most days, it suits the story's style and thematic elements, and the performers are doing a commendable job with their voices. Not to mention the whole concept of pop idols moonlighting as supernatural warriors against the forces of evil; while not a wholly original concept, it is nonetheless a fun one and well executed in this new iteration.
The story follows a trio of singers, known to fans as Huntrix, who are part of a long line of ancient warriors tasked with keeping evil demons at bay with their fighting prowess and the power of song. They utilize their music to maintain a massive energy field that wards off the demons. Their efforts appear to be in jeopardy when the lead singer starts experiencing mysterious vocal problems; this is part of a greater issue she hasn't shared with her friends yet. Things get even more complicated when a rival boy band, who are actually demons in disguise, seeking to thwart the girls' efforts by hijacking their fans, show up out of the blue and become an almost instantaneous hit. Now, the girls must determine the best course of action to handle the situation, and in the process, reevaluate their stance on their purpose, sense of duty, and commitment, both to the cause and to one another.
Those who might be turned away from this film by the flashy visuals and modern music styles would be missing out on a presentation that is much more nuanced than they might have suspected. Like any good story, everything within the presentation serves the greater narrative. Amidst the enjoyably comedic moments, fantastic fight scenes, and admittedly catchy musical numbers, the film's greatest strength lies in the three leading ladies and the overall narrative themes, which include the struggles of shame, the dangers of dishonesty, and the unhealthy mental and emotional strain that can lead to a cult mentality.
The three leading ladies are the film's highlights, both as individual characters and as a unit. Their chemistry is believable and delightful to watch; the way they bounce off each other with a friendship that feels tangible and relatable. When they are on screen together, it's pure gold!
The songs, while again not usually my cup of tea, are catchy, well-written, and exceptionally performed. The way they are perfectly synced with the action scenes makes them especially fun.
K-POP Demon Hunters is a film I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. While the over-the-top style of the animation and visuals, incredible though they are, might be a bit difficult for some more sensitive individuals, the story and characters, along with the appropriate sense of humor and commitment to heavy thematic weight, make it all worthwhile. Although I might have preferred that a few things had been different, there's no denying this film delivers the goods where it counts the most. This is one song worthy of the top five charts.
Give it a look.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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