Is it okay for Catholics to watch KPop Demon Hunters?
In an Ascension Presents video with Father Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, titled “A Catholic Take on KPop Demon Hunters”, we get a glimpse into the connection between the popular Netflix film and our relationship with God.
In the video, Father Mark-Mary of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal offers his honest take on the series and draws some alarming connections.
I found this especially interesting as a parent who was apprehensive when my nine-year-old asked to watch the movie. Usually, anything with the word “Demon” in the title is a no-go from me.
The video caption gives a teaser saying,
“Self-knowledge and self-acceptance are important themes of the movie, but Father Mark-Mary reminds us it doesn’t stop there. God invites us to bring our brokenness to the Lord and to let Him walk with us through the hardest parts of our story.”
Father Mark-Mary begins the video acknowledging that there is definitely an argument for cancelling your Netflix subscription entirely. However, this film provides an opportunity for parents.
“It opens the door to a conversation, a way to bring in the Gospel [with] your kids,” he says.
He provides a disclaimer, asking parents to review the film and soundtrack themselves before showing it to their children. Parents are the experts on their children after all.
Then, he gives a brief KPop Demon Hunters synopsis before elaborating on the connection themes within the film have with the faith. If you’re unfamiliar with KPop Demon Hunters, you can find out more here.
One theme of KPop Demon Hunters is that it focuses on self-knowledge and the power of bringing things within us, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be, to light.
“I think this is a really beautiful opportunity for a conversation with parents to ask their children–to give them permission to–bring to you whatever their life experience is, whatever their hurt is, whatever is going on inside of them…to know that they can bring it to you, that you can handle it,” Father Mark-Mary says.
He then challenges parents to talk to their children about how Jesus encountered people who experienced shame, hurt, or pain. He references moments in Scripture where Jesus truly meets people where they are, like the woman caught in adultery and the woman at the well. He also gives a nod to the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Another theme brought up by the KPop Demon Hunters film is the experience of not being seen for who you truly are.
“I’ve never been fathered, I’ve never been mothered. Like I’m here alone in this world trying to figure it out by myself,” he explains.
The Franciscan priest then shares a powerful message for those who have experienced this in their own lives:
“My brothers and sisters, Christ has come to make us sons and daughters. Christ has come to love us and to bring the Father to us and to bring us to the Father in the totality of our story. There are no parts of our lives, of our hearts, where we need to be all alone…trying to figure it all out by ourselves.”
Father Mark-Mary says that it is often ingrained in us that the best thing to do in these situations is to keep it to ourselves and hide parts of our story. Instead, he challenges parents to share the message with their children that they can bring things to them and bring uncomfortable aspects of their lives to Christ!
He concludes his video saying that while it’s not essential to watch Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, it does provide a great opportunity to open up a conversation with your children.