We’ve reached the finale, dear readers! Squid Game Season 3 has finally arrived, and while it’s the shortest season at only six episodes (most running about an hour), this season wastes no time throwing fans back into the deadly childhood-inspired games—where the stakes are life and death. I won’t lie—part of me worried that six episodes wouldn’t be enough to do the final season justice. Nevertheless, I booted up Netflix and began my journey back with Player 456 to see if he could finally bring an end to these nightmarish games.

This review is spoiler-free, aside from one clearly marked mini-spoiler, so don’t worry. Does Squid Game Season 3 conclude the series on a high note, or does it shatter like a badly cooked Dalgona? Time to find out!

All episodes are streaming now on Netflix, and if you need a refresher, check out my mostly spoiler-free review of Season 2 right here.

Story

Player 456, Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), failed to stop the Squid Game at the end of Season 2, and that failure has heavy consequences. Friends have died, surviving players are broken, and the games continue. Meanwhile, former detective Hwang Jun-ho seems no closer to locating the island where the games are held—until some shocking revelations pull him back into the chaos. Gi-hun must once again survive the games, facing a brutal test of resolve to protect a life on the line.

Squid Game Season 3 wastes no time. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk knew better than to drag things out with lengthy exposition. The tension builds immediately, and Gi-hun’s initial apathy is quickly challenged by events that force him back into action as the hero we’ve rooted for all along.

That said, I have mixed feelings. While the storytelling is strong and emotional, it becomes extremely predictable. I wasn’t surprised by 95% of the season’s twists and outcomes. I knew who would win, which players wouldn’t make it, and the grand finale didn’t shock me.

MINOR SPOILER (skip ahead if you wish): The one genuine surprise? The reveal of a new recruiter in California, played by Cate Blanchett—hinting that the games are expanding globally. This cameo alone sets up exciting possibilities for future spin-offs. END SPOILER.

Despite the predictability, I loved how emotionally charged each death and moral decision felt. The writing allows the actors to fully embody their roles, giving even the most telegraphed moments real weight. Rarely do I call something both predictable and highly enjoyable, but that’s exactly what Squid Game Season 3 delivers.

My biggest gripe? The games themselves. Aside from one near the end, these new challenges don’t feel like twisted versions of children’s games. Instead, some veer into outright brutality, completely losing the dark whimsy of the original seasons. Worse, several games devolve into simple kill-or-be-killed contests, which undermines the core themes of fairness and chance. It’s a missed opportunity to craft more inventive, psychologically-driven scenarios.

Acting and Cast

I have nothing but praise for the cast of Squid Game Season 3. Every actor, returning or new, delivers phenomenal performances. Lee Jung-jae once again shines as Gi-hun, bringing depth and emotion to the role that started it all. Standouts include returning players Jang Geum-ja (Player 149), her son Park Yong-sik (Player 007), and Player 120—all of whom bring their characters to life with genuine heart and nuance.

What sells Squid Game Season 3 is how believable these people are. Every fear, every tear, every moment of desperation feels authentic. This cast deserves serious award recognition, and I hope some of them find their way into future Emmy conversations.

Cinematography and Direction

Squid Game has always been visually striking, and Season 3 is no different. Every frame is meticulously crafted, every set is unsettling yet mesmerizing. Whether it’s a claustrophobic scene or a larger-than-life death game involving, say, a deadly jump rope over a bottomless pit, the cinematography captures the stakes and emotions perfectly.

The direction by Hwang Dong-hyuk is once again top-notch, guiding both the visuals and performances with precision.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed Squid Game Season 3, even though it wasn’t perfect. While it doesn’t quite reach the brilliance of Season 1—or even the emotional highs of Season 2—it still delivers a satisfying, if predictable, conclusion. The acting, story, and presentation kept me glued to the screen, and the final moments bring closure to Player 456 in a way that feels complete.

Fans of the series will likely find the finale satisfying, while new viewers may struggle with its predictability. Still, as I sit here reflecting, I can’t help but smile: Squid Game ends on a note that ties up its central narrative while leaving the door open for more stories down the line. Despite its shortcomings, this season hits the emotional beats where it matters.

ーAaron