Not Me: A Thrilling BL with a Social Agenda

Directed by Nuchy Anucha Boonyawatana, ‘Not Me’ tells the story of White who disguises himself as his twin brother Black to find out the culprits behind his brother’s attack. The series also addresses social issues like inequality, corruption, classism etc. through an intriguing story of these twins.

White got separated from his twin brother Black in childhood and moved to Russia with his father. After 15 years he returns to Thailand to become a diplomat like his father. He did not know the whereabouts of his twin brother until one day he learns from an old friend Todd that Black got severely injured by an attack and is in a coma. White learns from Todd that Black was a part of a dangerous gang and they might be the one behind his attack. So White impersonates his twin brother to find out the traitor behind a fatal attack towards his brother.

Sean, Yok and Gram were the ones in that gang. White soon realizes that they were trying to address social evils like corruption, monopoly etc. through hostile methods. White realizes that he does not really know his twin brother. Black was a guy who is brave and has no consideration for others’ feelings. But White is timid and cares for other people a lot. The members of the group could see through the changes when White entered as Black but never doubt that he has a twin brother.

Not Me put forward a lot of questions about the issues happening in Thailand and around the world. The gang members who have become intolerant of the injustice, inequality and laws built to support the rich fight in their own way to make the world a better place. This series is not a typical BL with cheesy romantic scenes but a very well-written social commentary. The romance that buds between Sean and White is a gradual process that was necessary and does not feel forced. Off and Gun have always had a magnificent chemistry which reflects in ‘Not Me’ as well.

Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat delivers an utterly convincing performance as the polar opposite twins. Off (Jumpol Adulkittiporn) also does an outstanding job as Sean who has a thick exterior due to his painful past. First Kanaphan Puitrakul as Yok and Mond Tanutchai Wijitvongtong as Gram are brilliant in playing their parts. Fluke Gawin Caskey was not as convincing as a ‘broken’ cop/artist as his acting was not upto the mark. Phromphiriya Thongputtaruk (Gumpa) has nothing much to do apart from being the savior and trainer of the group for no specific reason as his character is so poorly written.

The making and direction of photography of the series are outstanding. Especially, in the romantic scenes between Sean and White. The background music was intoxicating and it will urge the viewers to repeat and watch some scenes. However, the series loses its charm towards the end. I felt that the ending became too easy. In reality it is no that easy to tear apart a monopoly.

Not Me is worth watching for many reasons. But the most important one is the plot and the social relevance of the series. You can also watch it if you want to witness the top notch performance of Gun in two polar opposite roles.