"Mask Girl" packs a lot into 7 episodes. Instead of offering typical KDrama escapism, this drama delves into characters looking for their own forms of escape. Mask Girl and the characters in her world are dark, lonely, and even delusional anti-heroes. They may not always be likable or sane but they are easy to empathize with as we watch their lives spiral more and more out of control with every episode. This drama's content is also wild and intensely adult, including nudity and violence, but it never felt too over the top to me. In a world full of influencers, Idols, and only fans setting a new standard, "Mask Girl" and its themes feel perfect for the times even though much of the story technically takes place in the past.

My favorite thing about this drama is that it is told in a Rashomon style with each episode representing a new character's POV. The less you know while watching the better as each character is introduced and brought to the forefront with new perspectives on things we thought we knew and have already seen. I admit that some of the story is predictable but in a way that feels more tragically inevitable, making the suspense more intense. I especially loved the first 2 episodes, not only because of the amazing performances by Lee Han Byeol and Ahn Jae Hong, but because it really felt like I was a fly on the wall observing someone's most intimate thoughts, feelings, and desires which made me root for some characters even in spite of their actions as the story progressed. In a weird way, it's a shout-out to the intensely socially awkward but also about all of us.

Another honorable mention for me is Yeom Hye Ran. She really broke my heart in some scenes while totally surprising me in others. She gave my favorite performance in this drama and I was totally able to separate her from Ms. Chu in "Uncanny Counter 1&2" (which I am also currently watching) even though I love her in that role too. She definitely has an acting range FAAAAR beyond her years. She's for sure one of my favorites now!

Would I watch this again? Sure. It's not an easy watch, but the characters are so interesting that I would be curious to see it all again knowing the full story. I do think the later episodes wouldn't be as exciting the second time around, but the story and performances are still strong enough to keep me watching.

The only thing I didn't like as much is the ending which I wish went the less safe and obvious route.

I also think the soundtrack is perfect. Adding a lot to the storytelling without an unnecessary epic ballad or song repeating over and over again to force the mood. The music just complements everything with just the right mood.

And shout out to the director for some really cool yet subtle imagery, and keeping the nudity, sex, and violence tastefully done.

Overall, "Mask Girl" delves not only into an image-obsessed society but also into the different personas we show the outside world vs. how we truly are and feel inside. Yes, this is a thriller, filled with violence and revenge, but it's also thought-provoking, delving into image and validation and obsession and insecurity... some of the less appealing aspects of human nature, without being too preachy about it. I also feel like this is hardly a dark comedy. I laughed a few times. but this is pretty much a tragedy from start to finish. Still, it manages to avoid being too depressing and that balance helps make it super easy to binge. I definitely recommend it to those interested in a grown-up drama, with some memorable characters, and a unique storytelling style. "Mask Girl" is the personification of a "don't judge a book by its cover" drama. It definitely won't be for everyone, but don't judge "Mask Girl" by the poster, description, or shocked reviewers. This one, I think, you have to get to know for yourself.