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Parasyte: The Grey | A classic horror adaptation that poses a crucial question - are humans really better than parasites?

Based on the critically acclaimed Japanese manga ‘Parasyte’ by Hitoshi Iwaaki, Parasyte: The Grey is the latest live adaptation. It is streaming on Netflix

Arshi Khanam

Apr 07, 2024

Parasyte: The Grey poster

Netflix’s latest live adaptation of the iconic sci-fi horror manga ‘Parasyte’ has sparked debates on the internet. The series revolves around an invasion by alien parasites and how it threatens the very survival of humanity. Parasyte: The Grey may have used the original concept of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s manga, but the reimagined web series by Yeon Sang-ho is different, and you can’t argue anymore. Be it the characters or the setting, the series is getting rave reviews for different reasons.

However, what’s intriguing about the horror series is the narrative, which not only revolves around survival but also poses the crucial question of whether humans are any better than parasitic creatures.

Humans or parasites - Who is better?

Since the most primitive civilisations, humans have constantly evolved with time. One of the key traits that has remained consistent is the hunger for survival and the quest for better living conditions. Parasyte: The Grey also showcases the primitive trait of humanity: Surviving the worst by any means. Interestingly, this trait coincides with the alien parasite creatures as well, who combat humanity for their survival.

ALSO READ: Parasyte- The Grey Teaser, OTT release, plot and everything you need to know about Yeon Sang Ho's sci-fi horror

Since they don’t have any identity of their own, parasites use humans as hosts and thus pose a threat to the entire mankind with their existence. Humans, on the other hand, take the lead with their ability to think smartly and their survival of the fittest skills in times of need. Despite all these benefits, humanity is losing its touch with empathy and slowly plunging into a technology-driven world where greed and success overpower every other emotion. Ironically, parasites may not have intelligence or human-like minds, but they still have an advantage with unparalleled “unity.”

Humanity and the complex emotions

In one of the scenes, a police officer who betrayed his force for the parasites righteously argued with his superior about how parasites have the unity that humanity can’t ever have. The statement holds true because humans have multiple complex emotions and we can’t control everything, unlike the parasites, who had a simpler mechanism of only one basic need: “survival.”

ALSO READ: Parasyte: The Grey OTT release date – Yeon Sang Ho's Korean sci-fi horror to begin streaming on this platform

Another key aspect of the series is the dynamic host- parasite relationship between Jeong Su-in and Heidi. When Su-in falls into coma, the interspecies duo has a heartfelt conversation that urges us to reflect on the complicated emotions we experience due to past traumas. During the scene, Heidi asks Su-in to stop blaming her for doing the right thing, even if that means doing things that may not seem under the box of correct options, as per societal norms. Acceptance can make a huge difference in our lives. Heidi may be a parasite, but she accepted her fate as a co-dependent creature, and rather than fighting and taking control, she focused on co-existence or survival.

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Parasyte: The Grey is available to stream on Netflix.