P.S. I Hate You: Thai Series Review/ A Solid Suspense Thriller Packed with Brilliant Performances

Initial Review of P.S. I Hate You

P.S. I Hate You is somewhat similar to the previous GMMTV series, The Player and Friend Zone. While The Player was about sexual intrigue, Friend Zone was about complicated human relationships.

P.S. I Hate You also lies somewhere in the same zone. It’s about female friendship and the complexities of it. The friendship in the series is built on secrets. In terms of the storyline, it is more intriguing than the former two.

The Storyline of P.S. I Hate You

Despite its tacky title, P.S. I Hate You has a serious tone. It is the story of five friends who are bonded by secrets rather than friendship. It is a murder mystery and much of the unfolding happens after the death of a character.

This death marks the beginning of the story. The conception of the series reminds you of the Spanish thriller series, Elite (especially the death scene in season 4 of Elite) and the American show Thirteen Reasons Why.

The Cast of P.S. I Hate You

All the actors are good. Aye Sarunchana who plays the role of Saras and Pat Chayanit who plays Wanwan deserve special mention. I have always noticed how good an actor Aye is and I love the nuances she gives to her characters. Saras is a character she has not played before; she completely nails it.

There are only a few scenes of Wanwan in the first two episodes; nevertheless, the actor stands out. Jan plays a serious character here (we have always seen her in comedies), probably the good girl of the group. She is good but she falters in some scenes and it feels like she is trying too hard. But still, she looks sad and broken, even more than the other characters (and especially more than the dead girl’s brother).

Overall, the series looks like an okay watch.

Update

I have changed my mind about this series. I have different thoughts now than what I said in my initial review. Yes…the series felt a little out of place in the beginning but when the suspense hits, it hits you hard.

Now I think this is one of the best productions by GMMTV and deserves more recognition. The production quality is just insane.

The Making and Production of P.S I Hate You

I completed this series after the epic disappointment with The Jungle. But what makes them similar is the production value. There is so much to talk about here.

The cinematography is simply brilliant. I especially loved the sort of trolly shots used at the end of each episode as a means of storytelling with the camera moving away or towards the subject.

The visuals are simply stunning (please let me know if you know the name of the cinematographer in the comments section).

The storytelling is phenomenal. There is a brilliant montage (of Wanwan) in the final episode that really gets to you.

The Writing

Baison Jinatcha Maneesriwong is the screenwriter of the series. His screenplay has got everything. Every minute detail on the paper enhances the performance. There are no gaps whatsoever. Every single doubt in the back of our minds is cleared by the end of the series. And every scene is there for a reason.

The Performances

All the actors including the minor characters are perfect fit in their respective roles.

I need to talk about the girls.

Janhae picks up from the initial episodes and convincingly portrays the broken Meen with sincerity. I want to see her more in roles like these (but I am obviously excited for her 2024 series of The Gifted team with Tay, New and Mook).

Pearwah Nichaphat Chatchaipholrat plays the leader of the group, the sweet, smart and mysterious Prae with ease.

Fah Yongwaree Anilbol’s portrayal of the vulnerable and strong-willed May is incredible. Her best performance to date.

The Standout Performers

What do I say about Aye Sarunchana Apisamaimongkol? I have said this before and I will say it again. She is one of the best talents in GMMTV. What a versatile and nuanced performer! Saras wouldn’t have been this good if played by someone else. Her character is the most developed in the series. She grows up from being a naive, somewhat slow and dense girl to the most mature in the series. Her presence on screen is as beautiful as her songs (don’t forget to check out her OST for P.S. I Hate You).

However, the actor who stole the show in the series is Pat Chayanit Chansangavej. The montage in the final episode and her neurotic transformation is a masterclass in acting. She is one of those actors who can convey a myriad of emotions in three seconds. Simply brilliant!

So, the series is completely worth your time. Along with being an entertaining suspense thriller, it gives lessons on karma. That was your final cue to watch the series.😉

I am now the most excited for Ploy’s Yearbook written by the same writer. I hope it is given its time and won’t be like The Jungle.