'Butterfly' TV Show Review: South Korea's Spy-Thriller Unpacks Family Melodrama As An Action Saga

Butterfly is a TV show that has recently been made available globally on Amazon Prime Video. In a time when thrillers are leading the screens, thanks to some sharp and character-driven storylines, Daniel Dae Kim has attempted to bring an out-of-this-world experience to the viewers. The show is an adaptation of the graphic novel by Arash Amel and Marguerite Bennett. The six-episode series stars Daniel Dae Kim as 'David Jung', a presumed-dead ex-CIA agent hiding in Seoul with a new life. However, there is also a lot of unfinished business looming over his head as well.

Butterfly brings a blend of familial ties and spy games

Butterfly follows the story of 'David Jung', who is the co-founder of a private security company with 'Juno' (Piper Perabo). However, their philosophical differences often get in the way of their operations. While 'David' wants to do something good with his company, 'Juno' is more focused on making money, which leads to their split before his disappearance. Nine years later, he's living in plain sight with a second wife, essayed by Kim Tae-hee, while his daughter, 'Rebecca' (Reina Hardesty), is being raised by 'Juno'.

Over time, she has become a top-tier assassin for their firm, Caddis. 'Juno's' son, 'Oliver' (Louis Landau), on the other hand, is now a posh British-accented aide. He often tags along in her shadow. However, the plot kicks into motion with 'David's' return almost a decade later and desire to reconnect with 'Rebecca', who is torn between her birth father and the surrogate mother who raised her. Butterfly gives fans a look into the world of betrayals, heartfelt apologies, and teary reunions, while never compromising on the action.

Family melodrama wrapped in an action flair

While the makers of Butterfly have not compromised on the quality of the spy tropes with car chases, shootouts, and martial arts, Butterfly's soul lies in the familial reunions, making it more of a family melodrama with guns. The show is less about the geopolitical intricacies and more about hurt feelings and generational trauma. While it adds a sentimental element to the entire series, the action can often feel like a secondary plot. The characters spend as much time declaring love or disappointment, but while dodging bullets.

It's essentially about a father trying to save his daughter, who isn't sure she needs saving. That, combined with the cliche dialogues such as, "You hurt my family and I will destroy everything you care about", also makes it more melodramatic than thrilling. The series keeps swinging between creepy to weepy. Still, the visuals are top-tier, with Seoul and its surroundings captured beautifully. 

Butterfly misses the spot

The cliffhanger at the end of Butterfly seems more frustrating than earned. The viewers feel like there was nothing left to uncover, which would require a separate series. However, will the series leave everyone surprised with season 2, or will this be an abrupt end? Only time will tell. Nonetheless, Butterfly makes a compelling storyline for a visit so far.

What are your thoughts on Butterfly? Let us know.

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