The only South Korean thriller to watch this weekend: ‘If Wishes Could Kill’
Weekends are all about finding that elusive Netflix title that seduces you into just one more episode until the morning chorus begins. And this time, we’ve unearthed a show that truly earns its sunrise, If Wishes Could Kill.
Although the young adult horror series, directed by Park Youn-seo, debuted on Netflix in late April, now that we’re almost a week into May, netizens still cannot stop raving about it.
The eight-episode thriller has quickly evolved into a sleeper hit, and the gripping story centres on a group of students at Seorin High School who discover a mysterious wish-granting app called “Girigo.” The catch is a classic “monkey’s paw” scenario: once a wish is granted, a countdown kicks off. When it hits zero, the user must confront the consequences unless they can pass the curse to someone else.
So, when a classmate suddenly dies in If Wishes Could Kill, the link is uncovered between the app and a series of supernatural omens predicting the deaths of other students who use Girigo.
If you’re into intense, fast-paced, high-stakes drama, If Wishes Could Kill would fit the bill of the ultimate weekend pick because not only will you willingly give into the one-more-episode aspect, but also surrender to the logic that it’s just eight episodes after all.
While many aspects will draw you in, topping everything else is the chain-letter curse that constantly creates a sense of urgency that makes it difficult to hit the pause button.
Additionally, the South Korean thriller isn’t just a standard slasher. Surely, it’s tightly packed and moves fast, but it uniquely blends modern tech anxiety with traditional Korean shamanism and occult mystery.
But in case you’re seeking a cosy watch, If Wishes Could Kill may not sit well with you since it’s packed with gore and bloodshed that will leave you numb long after the credits roll. However, if you don’t mind the bloodshed, jump scares, and the graphic intensity of everything that unfolds, you know where to park your car this weekend.
Similarly, if you prefer thrillers in the DNA of All of Us Are Dead or Sweet Home, you can easily finish If Wishes Could Kill in one sitting. But while you’re at it, take some precautions and strap in to your seatbelts because this is going to be one suspenseful ride, visually and psychologically.