This Netflix Zombie Series Is an Underrated Horror Gem

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2019 saw Netflix unveil one of the most exceptional modern zombie tales that might have slipped under your radar. The South Korean production titled “Kingdom” came with minimal hype yet offered an exceptionally innovative idea: a chilling zombie apocalypse unfolding amidst a finely detailed historical political thriller from Korea’s medieval Joseon era. This series masterfully combined the gut-wrenching fear of a relentless horde with the complex political machinations of the period, garnering near-unanimous critical acclaim for its intelligence, high production values, and unyielding suspense. However, despite this widespread praise, Kingdom did not achieve the same level of mainstream popularity as its genre contemporaries, making it a regrettably overlooked masterpiece. For those who believe that the zombie genre has run its course, Kingdom serves as a compelling argument to the contrary.

Kingdom, released in two six-episode seasons from 2019 to 2020, and a special episode in 2021 titled Kingdom: Ashin of the North, is a tightly knit, swiftly moving horror epic. Its concise structure maintains an unrelenting tension throughout without any lags. The series uniquely roots its horror within a specific historical backdrop – a time marked by strict social hierarchies, famine, and ruthless political machinations. This gives the horror a distinct feel. While it may leave some viewers with unanswered questions, it’s a must-see for those seeking an intelligent horror series that delivers chilling moments.

What’s the Plot of Kingdom?

In the series Kingdom, the brilliant concept revolves around portraying a zombie epidemic as a result of humanity’s greed and political corruption. The narrative focuses on Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon), who becomes embroiled in a perilous plot, as his father, the King, languishes critically ill. However, the formidable Haewon Cho clan, led by the Queen’s merciless father, Chief State Councilor Cho Hak-ju (Ryu Seung-ryong), seals off the palace, refusing access even to the Prince, in order to keep him from seeing the ailing sovereign.

In a state of concern over a potential coup and whisperings of betrayal, Prince Chang stealthily departs from the capital to uncover the enigmatic illness afflicting his father. He unearths the secret in a starving village where a contagion transforms its victims into grotesque cannibals, exhibiting an alarming speed and agility that suggests they are indomitable. The premise of Kingdom instantly places it above average survival stories. The Haewon Cho clan’s frantic efforts to conceal the King’s true state and amass power unwittingly trigger the initial outbreak of the disease. This means that the human adversaries are equally, if not more, perilous than the infected.

In the course of the tale named Kingdom, Prince Chang finds himself in a precarious situation, battling wars on two sides. One is against the relentless tide of undead forces, while the other involves his treacherous adversaries who are plotting to end his life. He receives assistance from the astute physician Seo-bi (played by Bae Doona), who persistently investigates the plague’s mysteries, and the mysterious hunter Yeong-shin (Kim Sung-kyu), a man with extraordinary combat skills and concealed intentions. The intertwining of political machinations and survival horror generates a plot where a well-thought-out political move can be as perilous as a zombie attack, thus providing the storyline with a sense of grandeur and intimate intensity.

Why Kingdom Deserves Your Attention

Not only does Kingdom impress with its thoughtful plotline, it truly shines through its exceptional execution. The series showcases top-notch production, offering magnificent cinematography, exquisite costumes, and intricately designed sets that transport viewers into the stunning beauty of Joseon-era Korea. However, what truly sets the series apart are its captivating characters and unyielding pace. Prince Chang’s transformation from a politically persecuted royal to a battle-tested, empathetic leader of the people serves as the emotional heart of the narrative. He is an authentic hero, yet one who is continually confronted with agonizing decisions in a world on the brink of destruction.

In the series Kingdom, its secondary characters are just as powerful, with Seo-bi serving as the voice of logic and rationality amidst the turmoil of the supernatural world, while human antagonists create a spine-tingling depiction of how ambition and brutality can thrive during times of crisis. Furthermore, each season, consisting of six episodes, keeps the narrative lean by propelling the story at an incredibly swift pace.

Regrettably, the narrative for the show “Kingdom” has yet to be fully told. The second season ended on a pivotal cliffhanger that significantly altered the nature of the threat. Unfortunately, since then, there’s been no clear indication about where the story goes next. In 2021, Netflix presented us with “Kingdom: Ashin of the North,” an engaging prequel film detailing the heart-wrenching origins of the plague and the new adversary introduced at the end of Season 2. Although it was a remarkable standalone film, it didn’t move forward the main storyline concerning Prince Chang. As it stands, Netflix hasn’t made any official announcement about renewing or canceling the series, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty. The decision to invest in such an unfinished yet superbly crafted story is a gamble, but given the exceptional quality of the first two seasons, it’s a risk that seems worth taking.

Have you seen Netflix’s show called “Kingdom”? What was your favorite aspect of it? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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2025-06-28 03:42