Mask Girl is a dark comedic thriller that follows people on the fringes of beauty norms trying to live with their pain and shame. Low self-esteem and a desire for attention are at the center of the drama, making it relatable and easy to empathize with even when everything goes awry. Although Mo-mi, the titular Mask Girl, is at the forefront of the narrative, subsequent episodes switch to new perspectives, allowing us to interact with Mo-mi in different ways. And with each new character's POV, we witness how other ostracized people find comfort in and hurt each other when there's no one else to turn to. The first three episodes are intense and surprisingly violent, but ultimately seeing the extremes of the discrimination that beauty standards perpetuate makes the story worthwhile.
Synopsis
An office worker who is insecure about her looks becomes a masked internet personality by night — until a chain of ill-fated events overtakes her life.
Storyline
Mask Girl is a Korean comedy-drama about a young woman who uses a mask to become a popular internet broadcast jockey, but soon finds herself entangled in numerous, deadly situations.
TLDR
This is a reminder of why there's a rise in anonymous virtual YouTubers and media personalities.
What stands out
Lee Han-byul and Ahn Jae-hong are not unattractive by any stretch of the imagination. But the performances they pull off as lonely, isolated, and delusional people are undeniably brilliant. From their despondent body language to the eyes that lust for what they can't have, the nuances bring their characters to life. Even their more dramatic antics and comedic relief never take away from the sadness that fuels them. It's only fair to hope the rest of the drama holds up.
