A Parallel Universe Love story and “Vice Versa”

Review of the First Five Episodes

Vice Versa is a unique love story happening in a parallel universe when the main leads swap their bodies with strangers from a different universe. It is written by Pratchaya Thavornthummarut, Bee Pongsate Lucksameepong and Nichakorn Pairachwatin and directed by X Nuttapong Mongkolsawas. Talay (played by Sea Tawinan Anukoolprasert ) is an aspiring colourist looking for opportunities in the movies. But following an unfortunate incident, he wakes up in a different body (Tess’ body) in a different universe. There, he meets a guy called Tun/Puen (Dr Jimmy Jitaraphol Potiwihok) who is also from his universe.

Plot

The major characters who have reached an unknown body in an unknown world trying to fit in the best they could. Talay, who was a struggling colourist became the prodigal son of the biggest film company in the new universe. Puen who was an actor has become a screenwriter in the new one. There is also an association for the Thailand citizens from another universe and the association helps them to go back to their universe. For this, they have to find a person who is their port key. And there is no definite way to find out who the portkey is.

What Works in this Parallel Universe Love story

There are a lot of wow elements in Vice versa. Starting from the title song, it takes us to another universe. The locations and imageries used in the drama give us the vibe of an alternate universe. The writers have shaped this parallel universe in detail. For instance, the way in which they use fingers to count is different and hilarious at times, same sex marriage is legal in this universe. And Snow is not an unseen thing in the Thailand of the alternate universe. The series surprises the audience along with the characters with these fun elements in the parallel universe.

The chemistry between the main leads is amazing. The friends’ characters played by Neo and Aou also share great chemistry. All the episodes are titled in very specific colours like Winter White, Forest Green etc. That was a new concept that I have never come across.

What does not work?

The series was great at the start with the wonderful story, plot, and surprise elements in the new universe. But as the episodes progress, the story development is a little slower which might bore the viewers. After five episoed it has almost become a normal BL drama with a handful of cringeworthy scenes which we cannot escape from. But I really hope there will be good progress in the story in the coming episodes.

I recommend this series to

Anybody who enjoys watching a romantic love story will enjoy watching this series. If you are an ardent BL fan, you will love it. Even if you are not any of these, you can still enjoy this series due to beautiful story, breath taking music and amazing performances by the actors especially Sea Pawinan.