Based on the popular webtoon by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, Sweet Home (2020) is a South Korean apocalyptic horror series that pushes the boundaries of the genre with its unique blend of grotesque body horror, psychological tension, and deeply emotional character arcs. Directed by Lee Eung-bok (Goblin, Mr. Sunshine), the Netflix original offers a chilling and chaotic journey into humanity's darkest fears — both literal and metaphorical.
The story centers around Cha Hyun-soo (played by Song Kang), a reclusive high school student who moves into the run-down Green Home apartment complex after a personal tragedy. Just as he’s contemplating ending his life, a terrifying outbreak begins: people across Korea start turning into horrifying monsters — each reflecting their innermost desires or obsessions.
As chaos consumes the outside world, the residents of Green Home are forced to band together and fight for survival. But the danger isn't only from the creatures outside. As paranoia grows, trust begins to fracture within the building. Meanwhile, Hyun-soo begins to show signs of turning into a monster himself — but unlike the others, he may be able to control it.
Song Kang delivers a powerful performance as Hyun-soo. He captures the internal turmoil of a young man battling depression, guilt, and a growing monstrous instinct. His quiet presence contrasts with his violent transformation, creating a compelling emotional core for the show.
The ensemble cast, including Lee Jin-wook as the mysterious ex-soldier Pyeon Sang-wook and Lee Si-young as the fierce firefighter Seo Yi-kyung, all give strong performances that elevate the survival drama beyond simple genre fare. Each character carries emotional weight, and their individual backstories are revealed gradually, deepening viewer investment.
One of Sweet Home’s most distinct elements is its creature design, which ranges from disturbing to outright grotesque. From the infamous muscle-bound “protein monster” to a terrifying spider-headed nurse, each design is memorable and deeply symbolic of human flaws — gluttony, greed, vanity, rage.
The VFX, while occasionally uneven due to budget limitations, are generally impressive and effective. The practical set designs and use of lighting enhance the claustrophobic and decaying atmosphere inside Green Home.
Director Lee Eung-bok balances action and horror with quiet emotional beats, allowing moments of terror to coexist with character development and moral reflection. The pacing can be uneven at times, but the constant tension keeps viewers on edge.
At its core, Sweet Home is not just about survival — it’s about identity, grief, redemption, and the struggle to remain human in an inhuman world. The monsters, rather than being mindless threats, are metaphorical extensions of the characters’ inner demons.
Themes of isolation, mental illness, suicide, sacrifice, and found family give the series surprising emotional resonance. It examines how trauma shapes people, and how sometimes, the greatest monsters are the ones inside us.
The tone fluctuates between horror, thriller, and melancholic drama, sometimes in the same scene — a blend that may not work for all viewers but adds depth to the storytelling.
Sweet Home is a bold and unsettling take on the monster-horror genre, infused with emotion, originality, and strong performances. While not flawless in pacing or effects, it delivers a unique and thought-provoking viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
With Season 2 and 3 expanding the story further, the series continues to evolve — but it’s this first season that sets the chilling and emotional foundation.
