Sweet Home (Netflix) Review

Hello Readers,

Alice in Borderland has seriously messed me up as it  has set the bar so high for TV series. I haven’t been able to find anything else that pulled me in and gripped me with the same intensity since. After some Googling, a lot of people recommend watching Sweet Home, and I ended up really enjoying it.

I don’t own the rights to the poster image (used here under Fair Use for review purposes, as per sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act).

Sweet Home, based on the South Korean webtoon by Kim Carnby and illustrated by Hwang Young-chan. It is a fast-paced and gripping horror series that wastes no time drawing you in. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is threatened by grotesque and  monstrous creatures. The story centres around Cha Hyun-soo, a reclusive teenager who moves into a new apartment complex following a tragic loss. What begins as a quiet new start quickly unravels into chaos as his neighbours begin turning into terrifying creatures.

The show blends horror, suspense, and drama with surprising finesse. One of its biggest strengths is the way it builds character depth before plunging fully into survival mode. By exploring the backstories and traumas of the apartment residents early on, the series adds emotional weight to their actions and transformations. You genuinely come to care about these people, which makes every tense moment hit that much harder.

The character arcs are well-developed, with each person showcasing different fears, motivations, and coping mechanisms. The ensemble cast balances intensity with moments of warmth and even humour, creating a dynamic that feels human and unpredictable.

One small gripe and I’ll admit it’s extremely nitpicky is the shift from mostly practical effects in Season 1 to heavier CGI in Seasons 2 and 3. It doesn’t ruin the experience by any means, but I have a soft spot for great practical effects and makeup design, and their reduced presence was noticeable.

Season 1, in my opinion, is by far the strongest. From the diverse and grotesque monster designs to the claustrophobic atmosphere and compelling character relationships, I loved every minute of it. It’s intense, emotional, and often just the right kind of weird. If you’re into offbeat, gory horror with a dash of existential dread, Sweet Home will absolutely scratch that itch.

Season 2 loses a bit of direction, feeling more scattered and less grounded than the first. Season 3 tries to course-correct, and while it does regain some momentum, it slightly overcompensates in tone and pacing.

Overall, Sweet Home is a wild, entertaining ride that blends monster horror with human drama in a uniquely compelling way. If you're looking for something thrilling, strange, and emotionally resonant, it’s definitely worth a watch.

Happy Friday 13th 

L x

Comments