Any film titled “KPop Demon Hunters” does not deserve to be good. The name alone is enough to make a viewer cringe at the new Netflix film. 

However, not only does it drop some legit bars, this movie was fun, creative, and with better morals and messaging than most modern cartoons.

The plot of the movie can be summarized by its ridiculous name. A KPop girl band (HUNTR/X) fights demons by creating a barrier powered by their fans. 

The story takes a turn when a demon boy band (Saja Boys) shows up, stealing the fans and attention from the girls band, therefore stealing the girls’ ability to keep the demons locked away. 

Was it silly? Yes, very much so. But that silliness is actually one of the strengths of the movie. 

The premise is lighthearted and the movie isn’t trying to be anything else. It leans into its own goofiness with exaggerated animation and humorous dialogue. Although the main characters are pursuing an important goal, the movie does not not treat them too seriously and did not expect the audience to either. The girls weren’t ice-cold girl bosses; they were dorks. The writers did an excellent job adding human beats, even things as simple as a demon slipping and falling over. The movie was meant to make people laugh and in that it succeeded. 

However, this does not mean that there was nothing serious in the movie. Even though HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys warring for fans was a ridiculous premise, the movie contained real faults, real growth, and actual risks.  Looking at newer Disney films, there is a lack of villains. “Turning Red,” “Luca,” “Encanto.” All those films, portrayed with minor conflict, fail to have an evil to defeat. The stakes have never been lower. Bad guys are ‘misunderstood.’ “KPop Demon Hunters” on the other hand, has actual villains that will murder you and suck out your soul. They were in no way misunderstood. In fact, even the most sympathetic among them turned out to have been truly despicable in his past. 

Not only that, but there was character development beyond the modern realization that the only problem possible in oneself is a lack of confidence. Rumi, the main character, had to realize that she could in fact not save herself. She discovered that hiding your flaws and faults does not make them disappear. Her lowest point in the movie caused her to confront the reality of her lies and face the consequences of her former actions. 

In connection with that, I was actually impressed by the movie’s portrayal of demons. In fact, it was a depiction that reflects a Christian idea of the satanic. 

The writers demonstrated that bondage is by shame and guilt for real sins and faults. Jinu, the male lead and boy band singer, is controlled by the devil because of his very real failings. The devil is the accuser, constantly bringing those memories up and reminding him that he does not deserve to be forgiven and cannot be. 

In the final villain song, there’s a reflection of the progression of a demon’s temptation. It begins with saying that they will “be your sanctuary,” “the only ones who will love your sins,” and are “here to save you.”  But by the end, the song states that “no one is coming to save you,” “watch me set your world on fire,” “you’re down on your knees, I’ma be your idol.” The devils in the movie first claim to love the sin and accept it, but by the end that sin is the very thing they hold against you to keep you from trying to change. 

For both Jinu and Rumi, growth is not found in accepting your faults but in recognizing them. To quote their song “Free”, “How can we fix it if we never face it.” 

Another rare feature of the movie was girls who actually act like girls. HUNTR/X’s friendship dynamic was lively, funny, and genuinely feminine, none of which is common to see portrayed in media today. 

The movie was proof that even in a fun kids’ film, there can be truth and both thoughtfulness and effort. It’s worth getting over the cringe and enjoying the watch. 

And as a final note, the music has been stuck in my head for weeks. The soundtrack will simply not go away. So even without the good messaging, the fun characters, and the humor, “KPop Demon Hunters” sticks in the mind.

To quote the film: “It’s infectious.”