KPOP Demon Hunters: Who Knew Exorcism Had a Choreography? | popgeeks.com

KPOP Demon Hunters : Arrives June 20th: Because Apparently, Demons Have a Thing for Autotune

Netflix is dropping “KPOP Demon Hunters” on June 20th, proving once again that the entertainment industry will explore literally any premise. This animated musical action film, hailing from some of the minds behind the Spider-Verse movies (presumably after they sobered up from that whole multiverse thing), operates on the highly improbable theory that demons are inexplicably drawn to music enthusiasts. One has to wonder what kind of demonic focus group came up with that tidbit.

Our protagonists, a trio of demon hunters known collectively as Huntrix, initially hit upon a strategy so obvious it’s almost insulting: they became K-Pop superstars. Their electrifying concerts and meticulously planned world tours are, in fact, elaborate exercises in crowd control, designed to protect their adoring (and apparently demon-adjacent) fans and, you know, avert the apocalypse. It’s a bold career move, trading in late-night stakeouts for even later nights signing autographs.

However, because evil apparently holds grudges and has access to better management, the demons have retaliated. Tired of their continuous losses (one can only assume their quarterly earnings reports were abysmal), they’ve formed their own weaponized charisma bomb: a five-member boyband charmingly named the Saja Boys. These demonic dreamboats are so devastatingly handsome, charismatic, and talented that even seasoned Ajummas (respected older women) might find themselves momentarily distracted from their daily routines. This escalation begs the question: are we fighting a supernatural war, or just a really intense battle of the bands?

Providing the musical firepower for Huntrix are the dulcet tones of Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung of TWICE on their track, “Takedown.” One can only hope the lyrics have some actual demon-slaying advice woven in, and aren’t just the usual vague platitudes about love and overcoming adversity.

The speaking roles for this culturally significant showdown are filled by Arden Cho as Rumi, May Hong as Mira, and Ji-young Yoo as Zoey. Let’s hope they have better battle strategies than their demonic counterparts’ questionable career choices.

The screenplay for this existential threat disguised as a pop concert is the work of Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, and Maggie Kang. Ms. Kang also bravely shares directing duties with Chris Appelhans.

Their previous work includes:

• Maggie Kang as a story artist on Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon and Wreck-It Ralph. Clearly, she has experience with narratives that require a hefty suspension of disbelief.
• Chris Appelhans, who contributed to Coraline and directed Wish Dragon. So, he’s no stranger to the slightly unsettling, which might come in handy when animating hordes of screaming demon fans.

“KPOP Demon Hunters” looks to be a film that definitively answers the question, “What if the only thing standing between us and eternal damnation was a perfectly synchronized dance routine and a catchy chorus?” Find out for yourself on Netflix this June. You’ve got nothing to lose but your soul… and maybe a few hours of your time.