Having witnessed the anime adaptation almost a decade ago, which itself was derived from a manga of the same name, I often pondered how such a story could transition into live-action without becoming somewhat ludicrous, akin to what we've observed in Japanese live-action adaptations. Parasyte: The Grey has remarkably achieved this, captivating its audience in an extraordinary manner.

Contrary to expectations, Parasyte: The Grey is neither a direct live-action adaptation of the manga nor a sequel. It genuinely stands as a spin-off, offering a fresh perspective on the world introduced in Parasyte. While the original material only showcased events in Japan, Parasyte: The Grey expands the narrative to explore the impact of the parasites on a different nation. This means that even those unfamiliar with the manga or anime can find this series engaging and comprehensive in its world-building.

A major conce with manga/anime adaptations into live-action is whether the special effects might render the project somewhat farcical. The answer for Parasyte: The Grey is a resounding no. The special effects are impressive, marking a significant advancement compared to previous adaptations. Both practical effects and VFX are seamlessly blended, offering viewers a visually convincing experience, though still slightly cartoonish.

However, the use of shaky cam has elicited some negative feedback. It might have been deemed necessary to lend a realistic feel to the VFX, but it distracts from the high-octane battles, which are truly the highlights of the film. It appears the rapid cuts and shaky cam may have been employed to mask some deficiencies, hence their use.

Despite some imperfections, Parasyte remains a noteworthy series for posing profound questions about humanity, survival, and morality. Although the television adaptation, spanning only six episodes, could not delve as deeply into philosophy as the manga or anime, it still offers enough substance for reflection and sparks an interest in revisiting the anime (despite its own set of flaws). For those familiar with the source material, the final moments of the show are a delightful treat.

In summary, Parasyte: The Grey presents a novel and fascinating take on a familiar story, successfully transitioning from manga/anime to live-action. Gradually, Netflix is proving its capability to produce quality live-action adaptations, overcoming previous prejudices against the genre.