Episode Guide
Episode 1 – | Review Score – 4/5 Episode 2 – | Review Score – 4/5 Episode 3 – | Review Score – 4/5 Episode 4 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 5 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 6 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 7 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 8 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 9 – | Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 10 – | Review Score – 4/5 Episode 11 – | Review Score – 4/5 Episode 12 – | Review Score – 4/5 In a world where technology is advancing at such rapid speed, an amazing and exciting digitalization of our world lies before us. As we rely on computers more and more, giving them our information and details, the idea of an AI taking human form wielding this sort of power is certainly quite alarming. Meshing this idea into a love triangle, My Holo Love is the latest Korean drama to blend sci-fi with a romance. Can robots ever have feelings and would they be able to experience pain and love? This is definitely an interesting subject, and one that’s explored in more detail during the 12 episodes of this series. Like many other Korean Dramas, My Holo Love offers a self-contained and enjoyable story, blending humour, romance and tension skillfully with an engaging premise at its core. The story revolves around lonely So-Hyeon who suffers from face blindness; a condition that stops her from being able to recognize faces. She lives a sheltered life and as a result of her condition, is unable to make deep connections with the people around her. One day, she accidentally becomes the owner or beta tester of a new AI called Holo, which she’s able to see thanks to smart glasses. Holo was created by the elusive Nan-Do who has also been through some traumatic events. This sets up the premise of the show and from here we follow both our protagonists as they learn more about themselves, thanks to Holo who claims to have developed human feelings. If there’s one thing Korean dramas manage to do well, it’s telling a good story and showing a consistent evolution of character. Both our protagonists have a great journey as we follow the different challenges they’re faced with across the show. The idea that an AI could fall in love is an unusual slant on this topic but after all, if they’re modelled after humans is this really that farfetched? My Holo Love spins this into an original love triangle, with So-Hyeon having feelings for both Holo and Nan-Do. This gives the series a somewhat familiar take on this as we follow their love story. The actors give some great performances throughout the 12 episodes. Go Sung-See’s portrayal of So-Hyeon is moving and captivating, depicting a troubled young woman unable to recognise faces while Yoon Hyun-Min manages to impressively depict both Holo and Nan-Do, with one being the innocent and pleasing AI and the other its lonely and prickly counterpart. This is definitely an interesting contrast to witness, as we also see both characters change along the way thanks to the influence of the AI. This Sci-fi boasts a good soundtrack too with some decent songs fitting the show’s genre. “Love Again” by Klazy is one of the more catchy offerings, often heard during the series. Although it doesn’t hold a candle to titles like Hotel Del Luna or Crash Landing On You, My Holo Love holds its own nonetheless. The show also features some nice shots too during its run time, including some beautiful imagery of Seoul and great special effects when Holo is in the picture. My Holo Love might not be the best Korean drama out there but it’s an enjoyable, fun ride nonetheless. The story is interesting and original, with plenty of likable characters and enough plot twists to keep you coming back for more. After watching so many Korean dramas, My Holo Love doesn’t quite have that same lasting appeal other heavy hitters do but this Netflix limited series certainly has its moments. With a good production design, compelling characters and some well placed twists and turns, My Holo Love blends sci-fi and romance nicely, making it an easy show to recommend.
