“Prime Video’s latest series, ‘Butterfly,’ brings together the talents of Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty in a dark ops company called Caddis Private Intelligence. Based on the graphic novels by Arash Amel and Marguerite Bennett, the show combines elements of South Korean spy thrillers with American-style cat-and-mouse thrills, set to a K-pop/global pop soundtrack.
As David (Kim) searches for his estranged daughter Rebecca (Hardesty), he finds himself in a complicated game of parents and grown children. The series explores the bond between father and daughter as they navigate their relationships with Juno (Piper Perabo) and her son Oliver (Louis Landau).
Despite its promising premise, ‘Butterfly’ fails to ignite the tension and chemistry needed to keep viewers engaged. While the show’s blend of South Korean and American cultural cues is well-executed, it lacks a hook that pulls the audience through the story.
The series features an all-star cast, including Kim Tae Hee, Sung Dong Il, and Park Hae-soo, but even their talents can’t elevate the show beyond its shortcomings. With six episodes to tell a complex story, ‘Butterfly’ often feels like it’s stretching itself thin.
Ultimately, while ‘Butterfly’ may be an enjoyable watch on a lazy Sunday or during a sleepless night, it doesn’t quite live up to its potential as a thrilling series. Its ending is deadly, but the journey to get there falls short of expectations.”
Source: https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/butterfly-tv-review