Somebody

Somebody is a South Korean streaming television series that was released on Netflix in November 2022. The show intertwines the themes of technology, romance, and crime, offering a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its run.

Created by screenwriter Han Ji-wan, Somebody revolves around the world of app development and the unexpected dark side of online connectivity. It blurs the lines between the digital and the physical, presenting a story that navigates the complexities of human relationships in the era of social media and dating apps.

At the center of the narrative is the app "Somebody," a popular dating platform that matches users based on their compatibility and personal preferences. While the app is designed to bring people together, it becomes the catalyst for a series of chilling events that unfold over the course of the series. The show begins with the discovery of a murder that seems to be connected to the Somebody app, setting off a chain reaction that draws several characters into a web of mystery and danger.

The protagonist of the series is Seo Yi-gang, a smart and driven young woman who is the developer of the Somebody app. While she initially revels in the success of her creation, she is quickly swept into a maelstrom of suspicion and fear as the app becomes associated with the crime. Her life turns tumultuous as she grapples with the unintended consequences of her technology. As she delves deeper into the case, Seo Yi-gang's moral compass and technical prowess are put to the test.

Accompanying Seo Yi-gang are a cast of characters, each with their own secrets and connections to the Somebody app. There's Kim Sum, a quiet and enigmatic individual who works at the company that manages Somebody and has a complex relationship with the digital world. With a mysterious past and a seemingly detached demeanor, Kim Sum's involvement in the narrative adds layers of suspense.

Another integral character is detective Lee Ki-eun, a tenacious officer dedicated to getting to the bottom of the murder case. Her journey intertwains closely with Seo Yi-gang's as they both seek answers, often from very different perspectives. As a seasoned detective, Lee Ki-eun brings a grounded and pragmatic approach to the investigation, offering a contrast to the high-tech environment surrounding the Somebody app.

Further enriching the story are the users of the Somebody app, reflecting a cross-section of society seeking connection through technology. Their stories represent the diverse ways in which the app affects lives, showcasing a variety of motivations and backgrounds that contribute to the building tension and unfolding drama.

The show cleverly uses the premise of the Somebody app as a commentary on the illusions of intimacy and knowledge in the digital age. It examines the false sense of security that technology can provide and explores the darker impulses that can be amplified under the guise of anonymity. The series poses questions about the nature of identity, privacy, and the boundaries we're willing to cross in pursuit of human connection.

From a visual standpoint, Somebody is a testament to the sleek and contemporary nature of modern Seoul. The cinematography captures the vibrancy and energy of the city's urban landscape, juxtaposing it with the cold digital screens and interfaces that dominate the characters' lives. The show is imbued with a distinctive aesthetic that balances the warmth of natural interactions with the sterile precision of the app-driven universe.

In terms of genre, Somebody presents itself as a hybrid, melding elements of thriller, mystery, romance, and psychological drama. Each episode builds suspense through clever storytelling, deliberate pacing, and a carefully woven narrative that offers enough twists and turns to keep audiences guessing. The series manages to maintain a sense of realism despite the potentially sensational subject matter, grounding its technological intrigue in the very real and messy world of human emotions.

The soundtrack and scoring of Somebody further enhance the mood, with music that complements the tense and emotional beats of the story. The use of sound, whether it's the ominous tones that accompany the discovery of a new clue or the upbeat tracks that mirror the excitement of a promising match on the app, is skillfully employed to heighten the audience's experience.

Overall, Somebody is a thought-provoking and engaging series that delves into the impact of technology on our lives, cleverly using the premise of a dating app to unravel a deeply human tale of connection, deception, and the quest for truth. It's a show that not only entertains but also invites viewers to reflect on the nature of their own virtual interactions and the footprints they leave in the digital world.