PremiumParasyte The Grey review – Japanese manga reimagination is unsettling but the sci-fi horror series will keep you on the edge of your seat
Based on the critically acclaimed Japanese manga ‘Parasyte’ by Hitoshi Iwaaki, Parasyte: The Grey offers an intriguing reimagination of body horror.
Parasyte: The Grey poster
Last Updated: 04.46 PM, Apr 07, 2024
Parasyte: The Grey Story
Netflix’s latest sci-fi horror series, Parasyte: The Grey, has managed to grab eyeballs with its gripping storyline and unconventional characters. The plot revolves around a sudden outbreak of parasite infections after they take over human hosts and pose a threat to the very survival of humanity. What follows next is the formation of a Grey Task Force to combat these deadly creatures and save humanity from peril.
Parasyte: The Grey Review
Based on the critically acclaimed Japanese manga ‘Parasyte’ by Hitoshi Iwaaki, Parasyte: The Grey offers an intriguing reimagination of body horror. Set in Korea’s fictional city Namil, the series depicts the bizarre world of alien parasites and their invasion, who strive to take over humanity and rise to power.
Adapting a new story, that already has a niche fanbase of manga and anime, comes with unlimited challenges, but the seasoned director of Train to Busan and Hellbound, Yeon Sang-ho, proved his mettle once again with Parasyte: The Grey. Without faltering from the central narrative of the original series, ‘purpose of humanity and its existence,’ Parasyte: The Grey explores the emotional narrative and distinguished characters with the utmost ease.
This high-octane action series offers a thrilling ride into the unsettling world of parasitic creatures as they try to coexist in the human world. What’s fascinating is the smartly orchestrated story that gives a glimpse into the mysterious creatures and their unconventional thinking. These alien creatures are not at all dumb; unlike zombies, they can think and form allies to combat humanity.
The action sequences and spectacular CGI animation add depth to the unique narrative. One of the key scenes that stands out is the body transformation when the larva parasites capture their human host by entering their body through the ears or nose. The grotesque creatures with their monster-like tentacles are equally unsettling as the grim music throughout the series.
I also loved the detailed parasite-host relationship that evolved over time. The female protagonist, Jeong Su-in, gets infected by a parasite attack, but since she was injured, the creature couldn’t take over her body by eating the brain and instead found another way of co-existing. The parasite, later named Heidi, forms a distinctive bond with her human host, which is explored commendably in the series. Actress Jeon So-Nee's voice modulation to play two distinct characters within a same body is quite amazing and forms a connection with the audience.
However, despite the strong narrative and well-paced execution, there are times when the series feels a bit rushed and flawed. The reason might be a lack of time since there are only six episodes, and showing the combat, survival, and character backstories is too much in just six hours of runtime.
Another aspect of the web series that is unmissable is the open ending. The makers have ensured to keep the excitement ignited with the cliffhanger ending that subtly hints at the renewal with season 2.
The star-studded series features the leading dynamic duo Jeong Su-in (played by Jeon So-Nee) and petty gangster Kang-woo (played by Koo Kyo-hwan). The formidable likes of supporting characters Jun-kyung (played by Lee Jung-hyun) and Chul-min (played by Kwon Hae-hyo) are also impressive to watch.
Parasyte: The Grey verdict
Parasyte: The Grey is an excellent reimagination of the highly acclaimed Japanese manga and anime. The slow-paced narrative catches up quickly without losing the characters’ consistency and narrative. The action-packed horror series serves as a perfect binge-watch option for the weekend because of its short and crisp story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.