When I first started watching the Netflix original series, Bet, I couldn't wrap my head around what was happening. Everything seemed so unreal, exaggerated, and absurd. But then I realized it reminded me of the Japanese live-action series Alice in Borderland, but in English and set in a high school. The strangeness of the erratic cadence of English was almost intolerable at first, but once I got used to it, I realized I was thoroughly enjoying this English-language revenge series with a very anime-style twist.
The 10-episode series is set in a boarding school where we don't see any teachers the entire time, where high school students compete for a spot on the rankings. One day, when an exchange student named Yumeko arrives at the school mid-year, she becomes the talk of the town when she starts messing with the student council—a.k.a. the school's elite, or senior students. Yumeko's disruption revolutionizes the school, but will she get what she wants? Or will she be left alone again, with no one by her side?
Creators: Simon Barry, Homura Kawamoto, Tôru Naomura
Stars: Miku Martineau, Eve Edwards, Aviva Mongillo
The series, inspired by the manga Kakegurui, adapts its anime style to a more globalized English version for people around the world. By this, I don't mean just Japanese characters speaking English, but rather a multiracial cast, which adds an interesting twist to a series that, at its peak, feels like a live-action anime. From the character introductions to their clothing and even the school rooms, everything transports you to a different universe, making it incredibly addictive. I'm not going to lie; the games aren't as exciting as they're made out to be.
Some are just card games, but of course, since the stakes are high, they're all exciting to watch. But that's a minor drawback if you actually care about the outcome of the games; otherwise, you're just here to cheer on people you might like. Now, you should know that the manga's title literally means "compulsive gambler." So you can imagine that the series covers a ton of themes, including, but not limited to, gambling, intense bullying, manipulation, slavery, and any other dark subject you might think of when watching this title. So, despite being set in a high school, it's not really a show for kids. And while the series isn't overtly sexual, there's definitely an objectifying gaze toward the female characters, especially Yumeko.
The series is especially anime-like in this regard, where it ignores the fact that she's a real person and presents shots at angles that come off as almost intrusive or disrespectful. But at the same time, it doesn't go overboard and simply enhances her unreal beauty. The same goes for some of the wardrobe choices, which certainly don't seem appropriate for a high school, but this isn't a universe like ours, so I guess it's all good. However, despite these minor inconveniences, which some don't even consider problematic, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy Bet. Although it took me about 20 minutes—or three-quarters of the way through the first episode—to get used to the style, I was almost immediately drawn to the characters, who are all highly exaggerated, yet somehow all feel emotionally real. If you've watched shows like One of Us Is Lying or even Alice in Borderland, you know you have to pick a favorite to root for, but you're overcome with a sense of foreboding because you suddenly like everyone and don't want them to lose, die, or be eradicated. This is exactly the feeling you get when watching Bet.
One second you're thinking, "Yumeko is the best and you don't want anything to happen to her," but suddenly you have a whole roster of characters you feel the same way about. I think this is what makes survival shows so addictive. Not just the high stakes, which I know everyone loves. To be honest, I don't think Bet is particularly memorable, aside from Kira's blue-green lipstick with gold highlights, but that doesn't mean it's not worth watching. Especially if you like game show thrillers like Squid Game and that other series I've already mentioned twice, there's no reason to miss it. The series certainly ramps up the thrills and anime style in the second half, but I must admit there isn't a dull moment from beginning to end.
I can't stop talking about the cast, and believe me, every single one of the protagonists is absolutely fantastic, and you can almost tell they had a blast making this quirky series, with its quirky laughs, gore, and hilarious dialogue. You know, sometimes a series comes out and you're dying to see interviews with the cast, whom you feel you already know really well. That's what I think about the cast of Bet. I find it crazy that Miku Martineau is only 20 years old, given the way she presents herself and basically carries the series on her shoulders. It would be a disgrace not to mention her in this review, as she's such an important part of the series.
So, if you like short episodes, fun games, and adrenaline-fueled games, Bet is the perfect series for you. It's super entertaining, only 25-30 minutes per episode, and you can binge-watch it in a day. It's a bit predictable, but that doesn't make it a bad show; It simply means that if you pay attention, you'll know exactly what's going on. I give Bet 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Yes, everything you've said is true, but you're an adult. How do you think all of this looks to the kids? Talking about killing people, gambing etc. It is like a game, but in real life if someone take these behaviour as normal where it can get us?
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