In “Apartment 404,” now available for streaming on Prime Video, viewers are treated to a unique blend of mystery-solving and variety show entertainment. The premise revolves around a group of entertainers, comedians, and actors who come together to unravel fact-based mysteries centered on a decades-old apartment complex in Seoul. The atmosphere is light-hearted and slightly eccentric, with the celebrity cast engaging in playful banter, quirky challenges, and retro-themed activities while piecing together clues from the past.
The opening shot of the series sets the stage by providing a brief history of apartment living in Seoul, from its inception in the 1930s to the present day, highlighting the significance of the chosen setting. As the participants embark on their adventure, led by familiar faces such as Yoo Jae-suk and Jennie from Blackpink, they find themselves thrust into the unknown, unsure of what challenges lie ahead or what mysteries they are tasked with solving.
Their journey takes them back to 1998, with the apartment complex serving as a time capsule filled with relics of the past, including outdated appliances, touch-tone phones, and VHS home videos. As they explore the units, clues are scattered throughout, waiting to be uncovered. Each participant is assigned a unique identifier, adding an element of intrigue as they decipher cryptic messages and piece together the puzzle.
Despite the camaraderie and laughter shared among the contestants, the pace of “Apartment 404” occasionally falters as they navigate repetitive clues and participate in cumbersome games designed to aid their investigation. While the series offers glimpses of the celebrities’ personalities and interactions, these moments are often overshadowed by the sluggish progression of the central mystery.
Although “Apartment 404” boasts a talented cast and an intriguing premise, its reliance on filler content and lackluster pacing detract from its overall appeal. However, the promise of future episodes set in different time periods and featuring new challenges offers hope for potential improvement and renewed engagement from viewers. As the cast delves into the mysteries of past decades, viewers can expect a mix of nostalgia, humor, and suspense to keep them entertained.
