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CINEMA

BARGAIN (2023)

Limited Series 

Aired On: Paramount+

Release Date: 10/05/23 
Drama. Thriller.

"In BARGAIN, men are lured to a remote hotel under the guise of sexual encounters only to be caught in a trafficking ring where their organs are auctioned off to the highest bidder. After a catastrophic earthquake, the victims, traffickers and buyers all are trapped inside the crumbling building. Cut off from the outside world, they must fight to survive the aftermath at any cost."

OUR REVIEW:

In recent years, streaming services have multiplied, each launching original series’ in a race to captivate global audiences. As these platforms extend their reach, many are spotlighting foreign TV shows and movies, capitalizing on the increasing worldwide interest. Shows like Netflix’s Squid Game and Dark have ridden this wave, emerging as international phenomena. Bargain stands out in this crowded landscape, not just for its engrossing narrative but for the artistry in which it's presented.

 

The 2022 drama-thriller series expertly unfolds its central mystery, ensnaring viewers from the start. Jin Seon-kyu's portrayal of No Hyung Soo is multifaceted – a character who, beneath his unsettling and morally dubious intentions, reveals layers of complexity as the series progresses. Jeon Jong-Seo's Park Joo Young, with her initial enigma, slowly unravels, hinting at deeper, darker ties to the organ trafficking world. Their interactions oscillate between desperation and dark humor, the dynamics of their perilous alliance rooted in both greed and survival. 

 

The visual prowess of Bargain further distinguishes it. The show excels in its use of one-take shots, which are seamlessly integrated into intensifying pivotal scenes. Every frame is a visual delight, meticulously crafted to engage both the eye and the mind. Such attention to cinematographic detail, combined with a suspenseful narrative amplifies the series, making it a captivating cinematic experience for the small screen.

 

In a world of countless streaming options, Bargain truly delivers more than one might bargain for. At its core, the series revolves around the relentless journey of the three main characters, navigating through the treacherous layers of a building, each floor presenting its own set of challenges. As they dodge organ trafficking thugs and strive for a life-altering prize, the pursuit of survival and escape becomes paramount. With the walls closing in, the series propels its characters, and viewers alike, towards a climax that hints there might be more obstacles on the horizon than just the confines of the building. It's a testament to gripping storytelling, where the stakes are raised with each passing moment.

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OUR VERDICT:

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