Parasyte: The Grey (2024) is a South Korean live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga Parasyte, reimagined by director Yeon Sang-ho. 

This sci-fi horror series delves into a terrifying premise: parasitic creatures from space invade Earth, using humans as hosts, killing them, and transforming their bodies into grotesque, shape-shifting forms. 

Released on Netflix, the show quickly garnered positive reviews for its engaging plot, solid performances, and disturbing visuals.

The show centers on two key plotlines: the creation of a secretive police force, “The Grey,” formed to combat the parasitic invasion, and Jeong Su-in (played by Jeon So-nee), an ordinary supermarket cashier whose life is turned upside down when she becomes a host for one of these parasites. 

What sets Su-in apart from other hosts is that the parasite, named “Heidi” by small-time thug Seol Kang-woo (Koo Kyo-hwan), fails to fully take over her body, creating a complex relationship between Su-in and the alien living inside her.

The show’s visuals are a standout feature, with parasitic transformations that are equal parts horrifying and darkly humorous. 

Su-in’s story begins with a traumatic attack where she’s stabbed by a drunk customer, leaving her in a hospital with a mysterious death occurring around her. 

The audience soon learns that she’s been partially taken over by a parasite, which leads to chilling confrontations with other infected individuals. As Su-in tries to maintain her humanity, the psychological tension between her and Heidi becomes one of the show’s key highlights.

Meanwhile, The Grey’s leader, Choi Jun-kyung (Lee Jung-hyun), fights her own battle. Her husband, one of the first victims of the parasites, now serves as a gruesome hunting tool, able to detect other parasites. 

This personal conflict adds emotional depth to the show, blending intense horror with themes of loss, duty, and survival. Jun-kyung’s journey is further complicated when she realizes there might be traitors within her own team, heightening the paranoia and mistrust as the series progresses.

The show’s visuals are a standout feature, with parasitic transformations that are equal parts horrifying and darkly humorous. 

Some critics found these moments cheesy, but many praised them for enhancing the show’s body horror elements. Director Yeon Sang-ho uses the grotesque transformations not only for shock value but as a tool to explore deeper societal themes—paranoia, alienation, and the fear of losing control.

Critical reception has been mostly positive. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% score from 11 critics, with an average rating of 7.5/10. 

Kate Sánchez of But Why Tho? hailed the series as “superb” for its horror and praised it as a standout adaptation of the manga. On the other hand, Jonathan Wilson from Ready Steady Cut felt the series didn’t fully explore its themes but acknowledged the strength of its action and visuals.

While Parasyte: The Grey may not reinvent the wheel in sci-fi horror, its mix of high-stakes action, psychological tension, and emotional depth sets it apart from other genre shows. 

Jeon So-nee’s portrayal of Su-in, particularly her struggle with the dual nature of her existence, is compelling and adds layers to what could have been a straightforward monster-hunting story.