Hello, everyone! How’s it going? Today, I want to share my thoughts on a show I’ve been eagerly anticipating – “Newtopia” on Prime Video. What a fascinating mix we have here: Jisoo from BLACKPINK, zombies, and romantic comedy all intertwined! When I first watched the trailer, I thought, “This could either be amazing or completely fail.” Spoiler alert: it’s a little of both, but in a wonderfully entertaining way!
Advertisements
Jisoo Stepping Outside Her Comfort Zone (And How!)
Let’s address the major topic: Jisoo from BLACKPINK in a zombie-themed series! Following the success of “Snowdrop”, fans were excited to see her return. What a bold project choice! She portrays Kang Young-joo, a rookie professional navigating her life during a zombie apocalypse.
You have to admire her dedication: she truly immersed herself in the action sequences. The director mentioned she spent nearly a year filming and underwent rigorous physical training. Picture Jisoo fleeing from zombies, engaging in combat, and performing stunts… It’s mind-blowing! And guess what? She exceeded my expectations.
Park Jeong-min: The Heart and Soul of the Series
If Jisoo is the unexpected element, Park Jeong-min serves as the emotional foundation that binds everything together. This actor is simply FANTASTIC! He plays Lee Jae-yoon, a man who joins the army later in life and grapples with future uncertainties. When the zombie apocalypse commences, he must step up as the leader of his team, despite being the most uncertain one in the group.
The character development is beautifully portrayed. Initially, he’s somewhat directionless, only certain about his love for his girlfriend. As the series unfolds and he confronts zombies, he evolves both personally and as a leader. Park Jeong-min masterfully conveys every aspect of this journey.
The Breakup That Happened at the Worst Time
The premise of the series is brilliant: Jae-yoon and Young-joo end their relationship over the phone at the EXACT moment the zombie apocalypse erupts in Seoul. Perfect timing, right? They were struggling with issues due to him being in the army while she was launching her career, and the distance was causing tension.
So, on the very day they decide to separate, the city descends into chaos with zombies everywhere. Now they must fight to survive while trying to reunite. It’s as if the universe said, “You want to break up? How about doing it in the midst of an apocalypse?”
Zombie + Romance = Zom-Com!
The series markets itself as a “zom-com” (zombie comedy), and let me tell you, this combination works better than I anticipated! The thrilling zombie moments are balanced with hilarious scenes, particularly those involving Jae-yoon and his military friends. The humor feels organic, arising naturally from the ridiculous scenarios they encounter.
There’s a particularly memorable scene where they find themselves atop a luxury skyscraper in Gangnam while zombies are climbing the stairs, and the guys attempt to uphold military hierarchy amid the chaos. It’s both hilarious and nerve-wracking!
The Dream Team Behind the Scenes
Guys, take a look at 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 (who worked on “Parasite!”) and Ji Ho-jin (from “A Shop for Killers”). With such a talented team, you know the quality is assured.
And it’s not just the creative crew that impresses. The production invested significantly – you can see it in the action sequences, the special effects for the zombies, and the cinematography. Each frame looks cinematic, not just a TV series.
Seoul as a Post-Apocalyptic Landscape
One of the standout elements for me was how they transformed Seoul into a post-apocalyptic landscape. Witnessing familiar tourist spots overtaken by zombies is haunting! The series effectively utilizes Seoul’s geography, particularly in the Gangnam area where much of the action unfolds.
The zombies themselves are well-executed – no cheap CGI here. They are frightening when necessary, yet don’t go overboard with gore. It’s a fascinating balance that keeps the series accessible even for those who aren’t horror enthusiasts.
A Relationship That Gradually Wins Over
I’ll be honest: initially, I wasn’t entirely sold on the chemistry between Jisoo and Park Jeong-min. It felt somewhat forced, you know? But as the series progresses and more flashbacks of their relationship are revealed, it improves significantly.
The flashbacks showcase how they met and fell in love, and these moments are genuinely heartwarming. Understanding how their relationship evolved helps explain why they fight so hard to reunite amid the apocalypse. It’s about true love, not merely physical attraction.
Jisoo’s Growth as an Actress
I have to mention Jisoo’s performance. Yes, she’s still discovering her path as an actress, but wow, she’s made significant progress since “Snowdrop”! Her confidence shines through, especially in the action sequences.
She mentioned that she realized how much she loves filming action scenes. And you can definitely see it! There’s a breathtaking scene where she fights zombies in one continuous shot. It’s clear she seriously prepared for these moments.
Moments of Genuine Tension
Despite the comedic elements, “Newtopia” doesn’t shy away from creating tension. There are genuinely spine-chilling moments where you find yourself on the edge of your seat, hoping the characters survive. The series strikes a balance between humor and suspense that keeps you captivated.
Particularly the scenes in the skyscraper, where Jae-yoon’s team is trapped and searching for an escape. It feels like a claustrophobic action film, but with comedic elements that relieve the tension at just the right moments.
The Controversial Ending
Without revealing major spoilers, the series’ conclusion is somewhat polarizing. Some fans adored it, while others felt let down. It presents an open ending that leaves certain questions unanswered and hints at a possible second season.
What I can share is that the reunion between Jae-yoon and Young-joo is thrilling, but comes with some unexpected twists. There’s even a mysterious supernatural being introduced in the final episodes – as if zombies weren’t enough!
Comparisons to Other Zombie K-Dramas
It’s hard not to compare “Newtopia” to other genre favorites like “Kingdom”, “Sweet Home”, and “All of Us Are Dead”. Honestly, “Newtopia” stands apart from them. It’s lighter, more centered on romance, and has a more uplifting tone.
While other zombie dramas lean heavily into horror and despair, “Newtopia” is about discovering love and hope even amidst chaos. It’s a refreshing take on the genre that may attract those who don’t usually enjoy zombie stories.
Is It Worth Watching?
The question that arises is: is it worth a watch? My response is: it depends on your expectations. If you seek a serious, grim zombie series, this might not be for you. However, if you’re interested in a fun blend of action, comedy, and romance with a hint of apocalypse, “Newtopia” delivers.
The series does have its flaws – the pacing can sometimes be inconsistent, some character decisions are questionable, and not all storylines are fully fleshed out. Yet, its charm lies in its uniqueness. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is refreshing.
For Jisoo Enthusiasts and New Audiences
If you’re a fan of Jisoo or BLACKPINK, it’s definitely worth watching to see her in a completely different light. And if you’ve never experienced her acting, this could serve as a good introduction – it’s much more dynamic than “Snowdrop”.
For k-drama fans in general, it’s an intriguing option if you want something beyond the usual fare. It may not be a masterpiece, but it offers quality entertainment with an original concept.