Sweet Home is a South Korean horror-thriller drama based on the popular webtoon by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan. The Netflix adaptation, released in 2020, quickly gained international popularity for its intense horror, emotional depth, and unique take on the apocalypse.
Positive Aspects
Unique Monster Concept – Unlike typical zombie outbreaks, Sweet Home features humans turning into grotesque monsters based on their deepest desires. This adds psychological depth to the horror.
Emotional & Well-Developed Characters – The series explores the personal struggles of survivors, making their fight for survival more engaging. Cha Hyun-soo (played by Song Kang) is a compelling protagonist with a tragic past.
High-Stakes Action & Suspense – The series maintains tension with unpredictable monster attacks and intense survival scenarios.
Cinematic Production & Dark Atmosphere – The show’s visuals, lighting, and eerie setting in the Green Home apartment complex enhance the horror experience.
Strong Performances – The cast, including Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, and Go Min-si, delivers solid performances that add depth to the story.
Criticism
Pacing Issues – Some episodes feel slow, while others rush key plot points.
CGI Quality Varies – While some monster designs are terrifying, others suffer from inconsistent CGI effects.
Differences from the Webtoon – Fans of the original webtoon noticed changes in character arcs and monster designs, which some liked and others found disappointing.
Sweet Home Season 2 & 3
- Sweet Home Season 2 (released in December 2023) expands the world beyond Green Home, introducing new survivors and government involvement.
- Season 3 is set to conclude the story in 2024, promising even more intense battles and deeper lore.
Overall Verdict
K-Drama: 8.5/10 – A gripping mix of horror, action, and emotional storytelling, though with some pacing and CGI flaws.
Webtoon: 9/10 – A darker and more detailed version of the story, with a more psychological take on the apocalypse.