High-Rise Invasion: Season 1, Episode 1 - I Just Don't Get This World (2021)

When Yuri first arrives in the high-rise world, she finds herself disoriented and confused, standing on the edge of a rooftop. She witnesses a horrifying scene where a masked figure, known as a 'Mask,' brutally kills a person who is trying to escape. This shocking event sets the tone for her struggle to understand the rules of this new, dangerous environment.

Yuri's relationship with her brother, who she is desperately trying to find, serves as her primary motivation throughout the episode. Her love and concern for him drive her to navigate the perilous high-rise world, pushing her to take risks and confront the Masks, as she believes that finding him is the key to understanding her situation.

The Masks are antagonistic figures in the high-rise world, wearing grotesque masks that hide their identities. They are responsible for hunting down and killing the inhabitants of the high-rises. In the first episode, they create a sense of dread and danger, as they represent the constant threat to Yuri and others who are trapped in this surreal environment.

Throughout the first episode, Yuri evolves from a frightened and confused girl into a more determined and resourceful individual. As she witnesses the brutality of the Masks and the perilous nature of her surroundings, she begins to adapt, showing resilience and a willingness to fight back, which hints at her potential for growth in future episodes.

The high-rise setting is significant as it creates a claustrophobic and surreal atmosphere that heightens the tension of the narrative. Each floor represents a new challenge and danger, and the verticality of the buildings symbolizes the characters' struggles for survival. This setting also serves as a metaphor for the isolation and disconnection experienced by the characters, particularly Yuri.