When Genie, Make a Wish premiered on Netflix, it had everything that could make it a global hit. Big names, a striking premise, and a mix of fantasy and emotional drama. The show promised to explore what it means to be human, to feel, and to make choices that can alter destiny. But while it has moments of brilliance, the execution doesn’t always match the ambition.
The story revolves around Iblis, a genie who has spent centuries locked away, punished for his defiance. When a cold, rational woman named Ka-young accidentally frees him, he’s given a mission that could decide his fate: prove that humans are inherently corrupt by granting her three wishes. On the surface, it sounds like a simple fantasy, but the series quickly dives into morality, belief, and redemption. The premise is layered, and the potential is obvious.
What Works?
The show’s biggest strength is its ambition. It aims to blend myth, morality, and human connection in a way that feels fresh for the K-drama space. Kim Woo-bin as Iblis is well-cast; he brings a mysterious charm and a quiet intensity to a role that could have easily felt over the top. Bae Suzy as Ka-young manages to embody her character’s coldness without completely shutting out empathy. The few moments when their chemistry clicks, it feels earned.
The world-building also deserves some credit. The concept of a genie trapped between divine duty and human flaws is interesting, and there are sequences that genuinely draw you in. When the show focuses on emotional moments, it captures the loneliness and contradictions that make both Iblis and Ka-young relatable.
Where Does It Fall Short?
The biggest issue with Genie, Make a Wish is pacing. The early episodes are slow, almost painfully so. Scenes linger longer than they should, and major plot points take too long to develop. There are moments where the show feels like it’s searching for its own tone. Reddit discussions and audience reviews frequently describe it as “boring” or “directionless” in the first half.
Another common criticism is the dialogue. Many viewers found the conversations either too heavy-handed or oddly flat, especially during scenes meant to be emotional or funny. The humor sometimes lands awkwardly, and the show’s tone often shifts between serious philosophical questions and sitcom-like exchanges. That inconsistency makes it difficult to stay immersed.
Technically, Genie, Make a Wish also struggles. The CGI is uneven, especially in larger sequences involving fantasy elements. Some scenes that were clearly meant to look grand or otherworldly end up feeling artificial. Viewers have also raised concerns about the visual tone, saying that the color grading and editing choices sometimes undercut the mood the story is trying to create.
Then there’s the controversy. The show’s use of the name “Iblis,” a figure from Islamic theology, has sparked backlash online. Many feel that using a sacred name in a romantic fantasy context is disrespectful. The creative team has not directly addressed the criticism yet, but it’s a shadow that looms over the show’s otherwise bold concept.
Lastly, the chemistry between the leads isn’t consistent. While both actors do well individually, their emotional connection often feels forced. Ka-young’s character is written as cold and detached, which makes sense narratively, but it also makes the romance subplot hard to buy into. The emotional payoff doesn’t hit as strongly as it could have.
Also Read: Kim Woo-Bin and Bae Suzy’s Witty Dialogues in ‘Genie, Make A Wish’
Final Thoughts:
Genie, Make a Wish is a series that swings big. It wants to be philosophical, romantic, and supernatural all at once. Sometimes it gets there, and sometimes it misses by a mile. There are flashes of beauty and meaning, especially in moments that deal with loneliness and belief. But overall, it feels uneven, weighed down by its own ambition.
It’s not a bad show. It’s just an inconsistent one. When it works, it feels fresh and creative. When it doesn’t, it feels disjointed and slow. Still, if you enjoy fantasy dramas that ask deeper questions about faith, morality, and emotion, it’s worth a try.For me, Genie, Make a Wish lands at 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a show that could have been something truly great, but settles for being just interesting enough.
