Bet: A gamble worth taking
Some shows take a little time to get going. ‘Bet’ isn’t one of them. From the very first scene, it throws you into a world of high stakes, where gambling isn’t just fun, it’s a way to survive. This 10-episode Netflix series, based on the Japanese manga ‘Kakegurui’, is bold, intense and addictive.
‘Bet’ is a live-action adaptation that plunges viewers into the exclusive, cut-throat world of St Dominic’s Prep, a school where the real curriculum is gambling and the stakes are social status. The series carves out its own identity, blending drama, comedy and suspense in a way that feels fresh.
At St Dominic’s, students come from the world’s wealthiest and most powerful families. Its unique social structure is built around gambling. Those who win rise to the top, while losers become “pets” who must serve their winners. Enter Yumeko (Miku Martineau), a new transfer student with a mysterious background and an uncanny ability for games of chance. The plot follows her as she takes on the ruthless student council, led by the cunning Kira (Clara Alexandrova), while uncovering clues about a shadowy figure named Ray, tied to her parents’ past.
The narrative thrives on high-stakes games like Skirmish, a card-based duel, and Icebreaker, a psychological showdown using heart-rate monitors. These moments deliver gripping tension, with Yumeko’s mind games keeping you on edge.
However, the pacing falters in the middle episodes, where complex game rules and forced romantic subplots, like a predictable spark between Yumeko and Ryan, slow things down. The finale’s twist, revealing a Bitcoin heist tied to Yumeko’s parents, feels out of place, although it sets up a cliffhanger about her mother’s survival that leaves you curious. Manga and anime fans might find the show’s tone less exaggerated and more grounded than the source material. The school’s atmosphere lacks the dream-like quality of the anime and certain characters have been softened or changed for the adaptation.
‘Bet’ isn’t perfect. Yet, its unapologetic weirdness, anchored by Martineau’s stellar performance, makes it a bingeable treat for the fans of psychological thrillers and teen dramas. Martineau smiles sweetly one second and turns dangerous the next. And that’s what makes her so fun to watch.
The rest of the cast fits right in. Eve Edwards plays Mary, a clever and angry student who quickly becomes Yumeko’s rival, and maybe her friend. Ayo Solanke’s Ryan is the nervous but loyal classmate who slowly finds his courage. And Clara Alexandrova’s Kira embodies the cold, calculating power of the student council. Every character feels like playing its own game, which keeps the story moving and the tension high.
Shot in Toronto, the series is a visual treat. The set design and cinematography create a world that feels both luxurious and oppressive.
‘Bet’ is sure to grab the attention of teens through its fast-paced storytelling, relatable characters and themes. It centres around high school students who engage in daring challenges and social media-driven competitions, blending drama, friendship, rivalry and the pressure to fit in. Its modern setting, vibrant visuals and use of Gen Z slang will make it especially appealing to the young. The show reflects many of the issues teens face, such as peer pressure, identity and social validation, in an engaging way.
While it tackles serious themes, the show never forgets to entertain. So, is ‘Bet’ messy? Sure. Addictive? Absolutely. ‘Bet’ is sharp, stylish and packed with enough “what would I do?” moments to keep you hitting “next episode”. And that ending? Let’s just say you’ll be waiting for Season 2.
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