At first glance, KPop Demon Hunters sounds like the kind of title that could either be brilliant or completely ridiculous. Somehow, it manages to be both and that is exactly why it works.
Watch here.

Rumi, Mira and Zoey are the members of HUNTR/X, one of the biggest K-pop groups in the world. Their fans know them as international superstars but they are also secretly demon hunters. Their music strengthens a magical barrier protecting the human world.

Their latest enemies are the Saja Boys, a demon boy band sent to steal their fans and weaken that protection. At the same time, Rumi is hiding a secret about her own connection to the demon world that could destroy both her career and her friendship with the other members. The voice cast includes Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Byung-hun, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim and Ken Jeong.

The music is obviously a huge part of the film but the songs are not simply added because the characters are K-pop idols. They move the story forward and reveal things the characters are unable to say in ordinary conversations.

The animation is colourful, energetic and full of small details. The performance scenes feel like real music videos while the battles make each member’s personality and fighting style clear.

What really made the film work for me was Rumi’s story. She is surrounded by fans who believe they know her but she is terrified that nobody would accept the person she is hiding. That gives the film a much stronger emotional centre than I expected.

The Saja Boys are also excellent villains because they are funny, charming and genuinely dangerous. Their songs are designed to be annoyingly catchy and unfortunately they succeed.

The story moves quickly and I would have liked more time with Mira, Zoey and some of the supporting characters. However, the pacing also means the film is rarely dull.

Watch it for the music, the humour and the demon-fighting action but do not be surprised when the story about shame, identity and friendship becomes the part you remember most.

NerdiPop score: 9/10