Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience

Intimate and personal, Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience might be the closest alternative to witnessing this phenomenal eight-piece live in concert. Filmed at SoFi Stadium during their Dominate tour, this cinematic musical presentation covers some of their greatest hits, including S-Class, Topline, Maniac and Hellevator – to name but a few. There’s also a documentary element, with behind-the-scenes archival footage spliced throughout, plus exclusive interviews, balancing adrenaline-fuelled entertainment with a touch of nuance.

Even with eight members in the group (Felix, Han, IN, Lee Know, Changbin, Seungmin, Hyunjin and Bang Chan), everyone shines in Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience, thanks to fantastic arrangements and a well-curated set that also features duets. Two standout pairings in the early section are Hyunjin and Bang Chan with Escape, and Lee Know and Seungmin with Cinema. The latter is a slow pop ballad that sits in stark contrast to their more energetic numbers. Cinema also includes a nifty gift for fans in attendance, with their names scrolling across the on-stage screen as a backdrop for the two singers. As for the ensemble tracks, Chk Chk Boom is a definite highlight. Steeped in bold shades of red and black, the grit and grunge of this 2024 single is paired with some of the strongest choreography of the night.

Beyond the familiar gimmicks of a 4DX screening – shaking seats, sprays of water and flashing lights – Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience delivers plenty of visual stimulation, particularly through its cinematography and variety of angles. From crane and drone shots to full 360-degree views, as well as extreme close-ups of the performers’ faces, the camera moves seamlessly with the choreography, as do the seats, enhancing the immersive effect. The transition from concert footage to backstage interviews is smooth, using a glitch effect to introduce each member by name.

Some of the interviews do come across as surface-level and repetitive, with most members touching on similar themes of fatigue, sensitivity and their deep love for fans. While these sentiments are appreciated, the archival footage does more to endear the audience to them as individuals. Hyunjin and Bang Chan, however, offer some of the most distinctive and engaging insights. Hyunjin alludes to hidden sides of himself that are difficult to conceal in the public eye, finding comfort in his artistry through dance and visual art. Bang Chan delves into the pressures of leadership and the weight of carrying both the group and the Stray Kids fandom, opening up about managing anger and frustration. These moments of vulnerability add extra depth to the film.

Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience is brilliant for what it sets out to be. Watching it evokes a sense of longing and a regretful feeling of having missed out. While it will never fully replace the real concert-going experience, there’s still plenty of atmosphere to soak in. The visuals, the top-tier songs and the 4DX grandeur make it well worth watching for any Stray Kids fan.