Genie, Make a Wish (2025) Netflix Series Review – A Fantasy Show That Misses the Mark
Netflix’s Genie, Make a Wish (2025) arrived with high anticipation, largely due to the reunion of Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, who were last seen together nearly a decade ago. The premise promised a mix of fantasy, romance, and moral dilemmas. However, despite its star-studded cast and intriguing setup, the series falls short on execution, offering little more than predictable storytelling and sluggish pacing.
The Fantasy Premise of Genie, Make a Wish
The series introduces viewers to Iblis, played by Kim Woo-bin, a genie who awakens after a thousand years. His mission is not a simple one: he wants to prove that humans are the most selfish creatures. To do this, he grants three wishes to a human of his choosing. If he succeeds in tempting them into selfishness, he gains his long-awaited freedom.
Enter Ka-young (Bae Suzy), a woman who defies the typical human desire for more. Unlike others, she claims to have everything she needs and seems content with her life. The twist lies in the fact that Iblis recognizes her soul from a past life, linking her to his former love from the Goryeo era. This adds a layer of romance to the plot, intertwining themes of reincarnation, destiny, and morality.
Storytelling Weaknesses and Predictability
While the setup sounds compelling, the execution leaves much to be desired. The pacing is notably slow, with scenes stretched longer than necessary, draining the narrative of its tension. The series frequently shifts between past and present timelines, but these transitions are jarring and often confusing.
The show also suffers from predictability. While the creators avoid spoilers in promotional material, viewers quickly realize where the story is headed. By the time the finale arrives, the resolution feels rushed and forced, catering more to keeping audiences satisfied rather than delivering a meaningful conclusion.
Performances and Chemistry of the Lead Cast
The chemistry between Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy is undeniable and remains one of the strongest elements of Genie, Make a Wish. Their on-screen presence carries much of the series, offering moments of charm and nostalgia for fans of their earlier work.
However, even the best performances cannot save a weak script. The writing often fails to give depth to their characters, leaving them as archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. While Iblis should have been a complex figure torn between love and cynicism, and Ka-young a symbol of incorruptible humanity, both end up feeling underdeveloped.
Thematic Exploration: Are Humans Truly Selfish?
At its core, the series attempts to pose a philosophical question: Are humans inherently selfish? The genie’s experiment with Ka-young is meant to reveal the darker side of humanity. Unfortunately, the exploration of this theme feels shallow.
While there are occasional thought-provoking moments, the writing fails to tie the beginning and end together cohesively. The shifts in tone and storyline make it difficult to grasp whether the series truly succeeded in addressing its central question.
Production Quality and Direction
Visually, the show has its moments. The historical flashbacks to the Goryeo era are beautifully shot, and the set designs for both the mystical and modern-day settings are polished. However, the direction falters in maintaining narrative momentum. Scenes drag on unnecessarily, making the ten-episode run feel longer than it should.
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The fantasy elements also feel underutilized. For a show centered around a genie, the use of magic is surprisingly restrained, relying more on dialogue-heavy confrontations than visually stunning sequences.
FAQs about Genie, Make a Wish (2025)
What is Genie, Make a Wish about?
The series follows Iblis, a genie played by Kim Woo-bin, who grants three wishes to Ka-young (Bae Suzy) in an attempt to prove that humans are selfish and corrupt.
Is Genie, Make a Wish worth watching on Netflix?
The show may appeal to fans eager to see Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy reunite, but as a fantasy drama, it struggles with pacing, logic gaps, and predictability.
Does Genie, Make a Wish explore human selfishness effectively?
Not really. While the theme is introduced strongly, the narrative fails to dive deeply into the philosophical questions it raises, leaving audiences unsatisfied.
How is the chemistry between Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy?
Their on-screen connection is strong and nostalgic, often carrying the weaker parts of the show. However, the lack of strong writing undermines their performances.
How many episodes are in Genie, Make a Wish?
The series spans ten episodes, with the final episode concluding the genie’s wager and Ka-young’s role in his journey.
Conclusion
Netflix’s Genie, Make a Wish (2025) had the potential to be a standout fantasy-romance series, bolstered by the reunion of two of Korea’s most popular stars. Instead, it ends up as a forgettable entry in the fantasy genre, dragged down by sluggish pacing, confusing transitions, and a predictable plot.
While the show may still satisfy viewers who want to relive the Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy pairing, those seeking a tightly written fantasy with philosophical depth will likely walk away disappointed.
What did you think of Netflix’s Genie, Make a Wish? Did the ending work for you, or did it leave you wanting more? Share your thoughts with us on InvestRecords.com.