The School Nurse Files is a comedy-horror series produced by Netflix, adapted from the popular fantasy novel School Nurse Ahn Eun Young. Directed by Lee Kyung Mi (The Truth Beneath) and starring Jung Yoo Mi and Nam Joo Hyuk, the six-episode series takes viewers on a bizarre and hilarious journey that is both laugh-out-loud funny and spine-chillingly scary. The uniqueness of this show may not appeal to a wide audience, but its solid foundation sets it apart from traditional Korean dramas.
The story revolves around Ahn Eun Young (Jung Yoo Mi), who has had a special ability since childhood - she can see "jellies," which are manifestations of people's desires, greed, and cravings. The more desires and obsessions a person has, the more jellies they produce. These jellies start off as small, beautiful creatures but can develop into larger, slimier, and more dangerous entities.
Aware of her unusual gift, Eun Young grows up with the belief that she was born to help others. Currently, she works as a school nurse and protects students from jellies, monsters, and ghosts using her unique toy sword and gun. She receives assistance from Hong In Pyo (Nam Joo Hyuk), a Korean language teacher who possesses a mysterious aura that makes him immune to jellies. He also serves as a source of energy that Eun Young can recharge from when needed.
From the brief description alone, it is evident that The School Nurse Files is not your typical Korean drama. It has a "weird" and "quirky" vibe, reminiscent of Japanese or Thai films. As soon as you enter the show, this feeling is further reinforced by its dark cinematography, unpredictable pacing, and cheerful music, which creates an eerie atmosphere. The most outstanding aspect is its visually stunning graphics. Despite the gloomy color palette, the details are sharp, making it a true visual feast. However, it must be noted that this show is a mishmash of various elements, ranging from horror to fantasy, which may overwhelm viewers who prefer a more coherent and high-quality storyline.
The School Nurse Files successfully combines humor and horror, but after watching it, you may feel like you've lost a few brain cells. This humorous observation sums up the essence of the show. It doesn't require deep analysis or profound explanations; the screenplay throws absurd and bizarre situations at the audience. Whether it's jellies appearing everywhere, giant sealed monsters causing earthquakes, or students turning into crazed zombie soldiers, the show bombards viewers with unexpected and bewildering moments that leave them wondering, "What am I watching?"
The main cast delivers solid performances, and fortunately, Nam Joo Hyuk doesn't "ruin the team." The focus of The School Nurse Files is on Ahn Eun Young, portrayed by talented actress Jung Yoo Mi. Compared to her previous roles, Eun Young is much more eccentric and mischievous. She always seems lost in the chaos caused by jellies, displaying expressions that are both captivating and exaggerated, reminiscent of a comic book character. Through Jung Yoo Mi's convincing acting, Eun Young becomes a fascinating, humorous, and somewhat adorable character.
As for Nam Joo Hyuk, who was initially a concern for his acting skills, he delivers a decent performance that is neither outstanding nor terrible. His character, In Pyo, serves as a support system and a source of consciousness and energy for the female lead. He doesn't have many emotional scenes or a particularly impressive storyline. However, it cannot be denied that the chemistry between the young actor and his older co-star is relatively good, adding a pleasant touch to a show that is already peculiar and lacks a clear romantic plot.
Apart from the well-known main actors, The School Nurse Files features a young and promising cast who portray various troubled students. Each character has their own fears and issues, most of which are adequately portrayed. However, it is regrettable that despite having a talented cast, the show fails to fully develop these characters and lacks emotional connections with the audience.
Overall, The School Nurse Files is definitely not an easy watch, and it may not win over the majority of viewers. The show has a unique and intriguing storyline, but its convoluted plot, well-acted but shallow characters, and diverse yet confusing aspects make it difficult to fully appreciate. However, it must be acknowledged that The School Nurse Files dares to experiment with a fantasy theme, bringing a breath of fresh (albeit uncomfortable) air to the somewhat monotonous Korean drama scene.