Released on May 15, the Netflix series Wonderfuls is a comic superpower adventure set in 1999. It follows a group of clumsy locals who unexpectedly gain superpowers and struggle to save the world from villains threatening peace. The show garnered high expectations even before its release, as it marks the reunion of director Yoo In-sik and actress Park Eun-bin from the hit drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
Wonderfuls tells the story of Chaeni (Park Eun-bin), the official troublemaker of Haeseong City; Gyeong-hun (Choi Dae-hoon), a total nuisance; and Robin (Im Seong-jae), a huge pushover. After an unexpected incident, they gain the powers of teleportation, super-strong adhesive, and super strength, respectively. When they see Un-jeong (Cha Eun-woo), a civil servant who uses his powers with ease, they begin following him like a master, completing the clumsy but warm-hearted superpower team known as the Wonderfuls.
Because the show features many characters and takes its time building their individual narratives, the initial pacing might feel a bit slow for viewers accustomed to stimulating and fast-paced short-form content.
Nevertheless, Wonderfuls is plenty appealing for fans of the genre. The chaotic team chemistry between Park Eun-bin, Choi Dae-hoon, Im Seong-jae, and Cha Eun-woo is the biggest highlight. Even the predictable growth arc feels warm and inviting thanks to the actors’ skills and charm. While Cha Eun-woo, who has recently been at the center of controversy, has significant screen time, it does not disrupt the flow of the story, contrary to some concerns.
Ultimately, Wonderfuls is a work that leans on familiar genre fun and the charm of its characters. While the plot progression and comedy style may be a matter of personal preference, the overall appeal of the series depends on how much you open your heart to these clumsy heroes who are impossible to hate.
