First Take: Never Let Me Go Thai BL Review

Review of Episode 1

Never Let Me Go is a newly released Thai BL series starring Phuwin Tangsakyuen and Pond Naravit Lertratkosum. The director of the series is Jojo Tichakorn Phukhaotong who has also directed two of my favorite series, The Player and Friendzone. The screenwriters are Game Kirati Kumsat, Best Kittisak Kongka, Chim Sedthawut Inboon and Chalermpong Udomsilp, all of whom have previously written some brilliant works. Here is my first take on the series.

Never Let Me Go has an unusual subject which deals with more than just a BL romance. The subject is very strong here and is not an attempt to make just another BL series. Phuwin plays the central character Nuengdiao, whose life changes drastically after an unfortunate incident.

The opening scene is pretty appealing and the camera work there deserves appreciation. The makers have gone for a dark color scheme, probably because the series for the most part is not a happy one. You do not see anything vibrant except for when Ben, played by Chimon appears on screen.

The Main Cast

Nuengdiao is a secluded, brooding boy and Phuwin plays him with conviction. There is an ease in his acting when he is in pain or anger or even when he has an explosive breakdown. Pond plays Palm, a fishmonger and he has transformed himself completely to look the part. His body language in his intro scene could have been a bit more organic, otherwise, he nailed it.

The actors have such a unmatchable chemistry even when they do not utter a single word. This is evident in their first exchange in the series. Pond’s subtlety in that scene was incredible. And you would not for once think that these were the actors from Fish Upon the Sky. That was a comedy; here, they are in completely different avatars.

The Writing and Execution

The writing is good especially in creating vividly distinct characters. The characters are all well-defined. The series also touches upon serious subjects like bullying and class division with perfect moderation. The entire sequence of both the main characters leaving for school by different means was beautifully executed and was heartbreaking to watch.

But, certain things could have been avoided. For example, there is an extremely unnecessary scene which is inserted just to show off the protagonist’s command of English. Some scenes are not executed organically; like the press-meet scene which is a bit too dramatic making it ridiculous.

Never Let Me Go also has a really good background score which is used incredibly. Piano compositions are at the same time soothing and melancholic.

Overall, Never Let Me Go has a really promising first episode. It is a rare thing to see a BL series which gives prominence to the story than the romance. It was refreshing to watch.

You can watch Never Let Me Go on YouTube.

Hopes for Never Let Me Go?
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