We all have those moments where we feel completely powerless to change anything in our lives. It often feels like the power to flip the world upside down is reserved only for a privileged few. But wouldn’t it be possible to imagine a world where the “below average” misfits are the ones saving people?
Released on the 15th, the Netflix original series ‘Wonderfools’ (written by Heo Da-jung, directed by Yoo In-sik) is a supernatural comic adventure. Set at the end of the century in 1999, it follows a group of local misfits who accidentally gain superpowers and struggle to protect the world against villains threatening peace.
In the series, Eun Chae-ni (Park Eun-bin), the official “troublemaker” of Haeseong City who is completely unpredictable, dreams of one last trip after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. However, all her plans go awry when she becomes a hostage in a clumsy kidnapping plot orchestrated for money by Son Kyung-hoon (Choi Dae-hoon) and Kang Robin (Lim Sung-jae).
During the chaos, Eun Chae-ni’s heart suddenly stops, and she passes away. Panicked, Son Kyung-hoon and Kang Robin attempt to dispose of the body, but they are caught in the act by Lee Un-jung (Cha Eun-woo), a “parachute” civil servant. Then, something unbelievable happens: Eun Chae-ni’s body vanishes without a trace, only for her to reappear perfectly fine.
After her trip to the afterlife, Eun Chae-ni is actually healthier than before. While she is confused herself, Lee Un-jung senses that she is “one of his own” and tries to test her. In the process, Eun Chae-ni’s “real ability,” which defies expectations, is revealed, and the story truly begins.
The series brings to mind similar works, such as Disney+’s ‘Moving’ and the movie ‘High Five’. ‘Wonderfools’ creates a relatively clear narrative by layering social issues and the scars of the era over its fantasy elements. Its critical take on blind faith and a lack of self-reflection is also noteworthy.
Since it deals with superpowers, the actors’ performances are key to making the plot believable. Park Eun-bin portrays Eun Chae-ni with a quirkiness and slyness reminiscent of her role as Song Ji-won in ‘Age of Youth’. However, it may be hard to escape the feeling of deja vu.
Cha Eun-woo is an actor who has faced criticism for his acting skills in previous works. However, in ‘Wonderfools’, he blends into his character relatively stably. Choi Dae-hoon, Lim Sung-jae, and Bae Na-ra also play their parts well, maintaining the balance of the show.
Despite this, questions remain about the competitiveness of the content itself. Compared to successful supernatural fantasies like ‘Moving’, it is difficult to pinpoint a clear strength for ‘Wonderfools’. The standardized characters and predictable plot are disappointing, leaving the impression that the show is wandering somewhere between an A-list and B-list production.
Ultimately, this results in a lack of gripping power and entertainment value. Unlike the comedic posters, the dark and heavy atmosphere may also work against the series.
The work delivers the message that “no one is ever truly nothing.” It holds significance in its belief that the power to change the world doesn’t just belong to the great, and that even an insignificant existence can be someone’s salvation.
