Movie Review: 'KPop Demon Hunters'
Every once in a while, Netflix will release a movie for a limited time in theaters in order to build its hype before putting it on the platform. This summer, though, one movie streamed so well that it earned a theater release after the fact. That film was “KPop Demon Hunters.”
When I sat down earlier this year with my family for our weekly movie night, I had a mixed reaction to finding out that we would be watching “KPop Demon Hunters.”
The title was surely intriguing, sparking mental images of Korean pop music singers battling horned beasts, but it seemed like something that would end up being a waste of my evening.
Upon watching, I discovered a surprisingly good movie filled with enjoyable music, themes and visuals.
The 2025 film follows a K-pop band called HUNTR/X that — to no viewer’s surprise — fights demons. They use their songs to create joy that seals an anti-demon barrier called the Honmoon. Trouble arrives when a rival boyband made up of demons starts to vie for HUNTR/X’s fans and begins stealing their souls.
Sony’s distinctive style of 3D animation with a bit of 2D mixed in made for characteristically strong visuals.
This worked especially well since the movie takes stylistic inspiration from anime, meaning literal streams of tears run down characters’ faces or their eyes grow comically large when they experience extreme happiness or anger.
The film’s colors — constant blues, purples and pinks — practically popped off the screen, which reminded me of walking into an LED-illuminated dorm room.
Once drawn in by the visuals, I stayed for the story and message. One central theme is battling insecurities and hiding away your secrets: the main character, Rumi, is secretly half-demon herself, and the main antagonist, Jinu, copes with his past and path as the villain.
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans worked well to balance the ‘A’ plot of demon-hunting and the ‘B’ plot of Rumi and Jinu facing their burdens.
This left the movie feeling whole — better off than if they had focused primarily on one, leaving the other underdeveloped.
While most movies that push their theme heavily fall flat, leaving behind a weaker movie and a message that feels forced, that is not the case here.
The creators of “KPop Demon Hunters” perfectly balanced telling a fun and action-packed story about a K-pop band that slays demons and gently handling topics of insecurities and hiding one’s faults.
Despite not really being a K-pop fan, I even found myself enjoying the music.
Although the songs in this movie aren’t masterpieces, they are catchy songs that I think almost anyone can get into.
Upbeat songs like “Golden” and “Sodapop” are memorable, ones that I have found stuck in my head upon rewatching this movie.
Serious songs, too, portray the hardships and inner thoughts of the characters. “Free,” while not fast-paced and upbeat, still carries a message and is a good time to listen to.
Although the film might seem silly at first, there is a solid movie and an overall good time awaiting those willing to test the waters. Anyone can find something in it, whether they’re a fan of K-pop music, animation or stories about fighting demons.
It’s out right now on Netflix, and some theaters in Sioux Falls will even be hosting sing-along showings during Halloween weekend.
