The Atypical Family: A New Supernatural-Romance KDrama
Hi there moms! Here with a review of the new supernatural K-drama “The Atypical Family”, a fresh addition to the K-drama universe, blending supernatural elements with dark comedy and a touch of satire. that shows on JTBC and Netflix! I started watching it when it launched on May 4, 2024 and delayed writing the review until I got a full grasp of it.
From Superpowers to Modern Woes
This quirky show follows the dysfunctional Bok family, who all used to have superpowers but lost them due to modern-day afflictions like depression, obesity, insomnia, you name it. Jang Ki-yong (swoon!) plays the tortured soul and single father Bok Gwi-ju who could travel back in time to revisit and relive happy memories. Depression and alcoholism after his wife’s death caused him to lose this ability. His sister Dong-hee (Claudia Kim) was once able to fly but is now obese and bulimic. The always fabulous Ko Du-shim plays the larger-than-life grandma Man-heum who has the power of foresight but is plagued by insomnia. Ko Du-shim is always a scene stealer and I’m loving her as the meddling but loving SuperGran.
Enter the Enigma: Do Da-Hae
Now there’s the mysterious Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee), a mysterious masseuse with her own hidden agenda who gets entangled with the quirky Boks and shakes things up. One day, the mysterious Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee) gets involved with the Boks and begins living with them, causing changes in their lives. However, Da-hae has a hidden agenda – she and her con artist family are conspiring to scam the wealthy Boks out of their fortune. The show hints at a “Parasite”-esque plot twist, with Do Da-hae’s family potentially infiltrating the Boks for nefarious purposes. This adds a layer of suspense and keeps viewers guessing about her true motives.
My Take -Early Review and Feels
The first episode piques viewers’ interest by leaving the origin and loss of the Boks’ powers shrouded in mystery. Hmm, we learn that “modern lifestyle diseases” are to blame, with the grandmother’s insomnia hindering her premonitions, the daughter’s weight preventing her from flying, and the son’s depression stopping him from time travel. I like this focus on the impact of these limitations, rather than the powers themselves, feels more relatable and intriguing. In essence, the show is not about them like -helping the society with their powers but like, struggling with their daily life. This puts a fresh spin on the idea of people with powers trying to lead ordinary lives.
As the series unfolds, it explores the Boks’ struggles with mental health issues and their quest to regain their lost powers. There also seems to be a deeper connection between Gwi-ju and Da-hae than initially apparent. The show blends family drama, dark comedy and superhero elements intriguingly, putting a fresh spin on the idea of people with powers trying to lead ordinary lives.
The Atypical Family Strengths and Weaknesses:
The Shows Strengths:
The first episode piques viewers’ interest by leaving the origin and loss of the Boks’ powers shrouded in mystery. We learn that “modern lifestyle diseases” are to blame, with the grandmother’s insomnia hindering her premonitions, the daughter’s weight preventing her from flying, and the son’s depression stopping him from time travel. This focus on the impact of these limitations, rather than the powers themselves, feels more relatable and intriguing.
Strong cast including Jang Ki-yong, Chun Woo-hee, and Ko Du-shim. The actors bring nuance to their roles as the troubled Bok family members. Jang Ki Yong (known for his roles in “My Roommate is a Gumiho” and “Born Again,”) makes a strong return to the small screen as Bok Gwi Joo in this supernatural kdrama series. His portrayal of a man battling depression while trying to hold his family together is also both poignant and relatable. I actually didint recognize him immediately as I’m use to his usal roles as a clean cut young man. Chun Woo Hee, who has impressed audiences in “Be Melodramatic” and “Delightfully Deceitful,” continues to showcase her versatility. Claudia Kim, familiar to international audiences from “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” brings her unique charm to the role of Bok Dong Hee. Go Do Shim, a veteran actress, adds gravitas to the series with her portrayal of the family matriarch.
The multiple genres blends in an interesting way, mixing family drama, dark comedy, and superhero elements. This genre-bending approach helps the show stand out. And of course, the exploration of relatable themes of mental health struggles and family dysfunction underneath the quirky supernatural setup is always a welcome discussion. The loss of the characters’ powers serves as a metaphor for the limitations and helplessness people can feel.
Room for Improvement:
Despite its intriguing premise, “The Atypical Family” isn’t without flaws. Character development, particularly around Gwi-ju, feels rushed. His portrayal as a lovelorn drunkard lacks depth, and his potential romantic connection with Da-hae seems forced. The mysterious agenda of the character Do Da-hae, who seems to be a con artist trying to scam the wealthy Bok family, comes across as derivative of films like Parasite. This subplot may feel predictable to some.
WARNING SPOILERS HERE! On top of that, the first episodes may feel frustratingly slow. Some reviewers found it boring and had trouble capturing their attention. The show takes its time setting up the characters and premise. (It’s worth it though -I love the development of the little kid who have a mind reading ability!)
Now let’s discuss the elephant in the room so to speak. The show’s handling of Dong-hee’s weight is a major misstep. Her character falls into the stereotype of the “overweight wet blanket,” relying on insensitive jokes and an unrealistic fat suit that’s annoyingly obvious. The way the show treats Dong-hee’s weight feels insensitive and hurtful. It would be more interesting to see her character developed in a way that goes beyond her size. The fat shaming not only feels out-of-touch but also diminishes her as a character. Even if intended as dark satire, this risks alienating some viewers. And speaking of satire, the mix of tones and genres doesn’t always feel cohesive, with the satirical humor and social commentary sometimes clashing with the more emotional family drama.
Relax Lang Mom Recommends: Watch with Reservations
Overall, The Atypical Family has an original high concept and moments of heartfelt family drama, but its uneven tone, pacing issues, and sometimes insensitive humor hold it back from fully realizing its potential. Still, its intriguing world and talented cast provide reasons to keep watching and see if it finds its footing. Despite the obvious pitfalls, I am hooked with the story.
So if you’re looking for a different kind of K-drama that doesn’t fit neatly into a box, The Atypical Family is worth checking out. Just prepare for some wacky satire, a few head-scratching moments. I’ll be tuning in each week to see how the Bok family saga unfolds!
