Is ‘Squid Game: The Experience’ worth it? We lived to tell the tale. | Review

Dystopian reality shows are a dime a dozen, but there‘s nothing quite like Netflix’s 2021 hit “Squid Game.” Imagine 456 participants all competing for a $4.56 million prize. But there‘s a huge catch in this fictitious South Korean survival thriller – if you don‘t make it to the next round, you don‘t survive. The show combines suspense, humor, and a poignant critique of the role of capitalism in society. The success spurred a 2023 reality show spinoff, where real people competed in the same games for a cash prize (and, thankfully, stayed alive).
Now, there’s a new piece of the popular franchise, where you can try the trials for fun, without the threat of death hanging over your head: “Squid Game: The Experience” at the Manhattan Mall in New York. I love a good interactive experience, and it’s even better when it gets the heart rate going (see “Fright Fest Extreme”). The show boasts a lot of tension and alliance-building within an hour. There‘s considerable detail and immersive elements regarding the costumes and the games’ flow. You don’t win millions of dollars if you are on the leaderboard, but a prize will be won.