Khemjira

DOMUNDI HAS FINALLY DONE IT!

The best Thai BL this year!

Good things comes to those who wait, or to those who try and try until they succeed - thats how i feel about Domundi/Mandee. Yes, they produced quite a lot of BL shows over the years, some are just plain crap and some even almost veering to goodness but nothing they did before really reached the greatness level - until Khemjira came.

A perfect mix of good production value, good visual effects, the richness of Thai culture and a slew of cutie pie cast.

Its a slow-burn series - maybe not even slow-burn but just plain slow, but it does work on a show like this. Quick recap. Set in a rural Thailand setting, Master shaman Pheem was asked to help save a cursed Khem against an avenging ghost. While Pheem seemed initially reluctant to help, its evident that he cant just say no considering Khem is his wife from their former lives. Keng is just the perfect mysterious yet charming Pheem while Namping is the lovely damsel in distress. Tie and FirstOne( i love his uncanny resemblance to Mixx) are scene stealers as Chan and Jet. You also cant help but emphatize with the villain through the very effecting performance of Green as Ramphueng.

It should also be noted that its from the same team that worked in the also recently concluded The Next Prince. Both shows clearly got huge budget backing that enabled them to create great set pieces and exquiste costumes. While i dont understand why the fictional kingdom in The Next Prince was European inspired even though the country is clearly in Asia, this show, Khemjira, fully embraced the richness of Thai culture, beliefs and traditions. I even loved the songs and the occassional traditional Thai music.

What surprised most fans during the airing of this show is its varying runtime as some of the episodes are like full-length movies at almost 2 hours. The good thing is even the longer episodes doesnt feel like its dragging the story - it is evident thay they have carefully and successfully mapped out a storyline for the entire duration of the series that didnt loose track of what the focus should be so you will not feel like some episodes are there just for fillers. They have achieved a balance between the supernatural fantasy aspect and the things (and tropes) that BL fans love - plus i loved that Domundi has greatly lessened the clickbait sex scenes (hold your horses, there are still some to those looking for it).

I hope Korean BL production companies have watched this series and realize why 15minute 8-episode series just isnt enough .

And while the show is beautifully executed, it is not without faults. However, i loved loved loved that Domundi is clearly investing a lot in improving their contents. I just hope they can keep their next shows in this level (but truth be told im already underwhelmed with the curently airing Me and Who). Other companies (ahemmm GMMTV) should watch out because if they keep spewing the same old sh*ts all the time, clearly Domundi is ready to take their crown.

Will i recommend? Hell yes, the cast alone is enough to watch it. Will i rewatch? After watching almost all episodes twice i think i will give it a rest for now. Overall its a 9.5!

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Sometimes even Domundi BLs can surprise us in a good way...

Disclaimer: This review is only valid for the UNCUT version of this show. Avoid the cut version like the plague, because as always, the cut off a lot of story. This is especially true for episode 8 which has a runtime of 1:56:51. I would not have minded to cut a lot off the finale because the end was draggy. So consider the uncut version as a 13 episodes series with some bonus content.

P'Aof said in the making of TNP he could not do any better, but he clearly lied, because we saw, he could do better. When you do not make a show just to cater to the fangirls and the actors, to no surprise to anyone, you are successful. This was filmed before TNP and it seems, this is the series where all the energy got into the script.

While the story is elaborate it's still straightforward and easy to understand. There is a lot of darkness in it, a lot of pain, but also a lot of growing and commitment for each other. For me it was perfect for episodes 1 to 10, ep 11 and 12 did not keep up the high standards established before. Especially the "bonus" bits felt a bit draggy and also the production quality was subpar because the cuts where a bit eratic, they could not keep a rocket in focus (who wants to watch just the smoke?) and the happy family time felt unnecessary for me because it did not fit the vibe of the show. Most of the finale would have been better served as an special episode detatched from the main story.

I guess the star of this show is the soundtrack which was really exceptionell and of course the "intro" which did not spoil any story elements at all. Kudos for that! Acting was very good especially considering the filming must be especially hard without any climatized rooms for most of the time. Of course this plays out in a rural area, so we got also a lot of nature and traditional housing. Cinematography with the 2:1 aspect ratio was most of the time stunning, the special effects were better than in any other thai BL and of course they had lot's of work with makeup and costumes.

Overall, this is the first series, where a big budget meets or exceeds it's expectations and after the fiasco (in my view) of TNP Domundi/Mandee redeemed itself as being able to tell a story first and have romances second. They even went the extra mile to put their ads as subtle as possible.

This was most defenitively not a waste of my time and it will not be a waste of your time either.

Update: Thanks for all the upvotes but thanks also for nearly the same amount of downvotes. If I sometimes agree with the masses they downvote and when I write harsh reviews disagreeing with them, I get the same. It's really amusing how much hate people have in them.

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Stellar Story, Mediocre Acting

I cannot lie, this was probably one of the best storylines we've gotten out of 2025. The setup, the twists, the outcomes, literally everything. A horror BL done right cause it doesn't center the BL and it works so perfectly for this. Khemjira is stellar, I was kept engaged despite my dismay of the runtime, and I was thoroughly impressed. Unfortunately, the acting is where this takes a large stumble for me.

Let's Dive In.

I liked that Khem and Paran are a slow burn. Not because it's my cup of tea, but because it works so well into the scheme of things with Paran being a shaman and not allowed to really fall in love, and then we steadily see him fall for Khem more and more. I'll be honestly, I was not impressed with that last NC scene. I think there's a certain point when things are dragged too long, and that was just tooooo long. I also kind of don't really see why Paran fell for Khem. I understand for Khem because, Paran is a fucking greek god, but outside of their past soul's love lives, I just don't see what about Khem is to fall for. The fact that he's making your life harder...?

I enjoyed Jet and Charn a lot more than the leads. I liked that Jet realizes how beautiful Charn is after he gets wet and looses his glasses, and I just love Charn altogether. The topics that are brought up amongst them as they progress into a relationship are spectacular, give me more of that.

The plot was just splendid. The village, the people, the workings of the shines and the magic, the two little kids, Ramphueng. Like, wow, just so good. Obviously the CGI is a bit shit, but it's not so bad that I can't stay intrigued in the plot. We learn a lot of Thai culture which I appreciate, and I love that the longer I watch Thai BL, the more I pick up on the lingo, the honorifics, and I realized a lot of how that stuff worked in this. Bravo.

I won't lie though, this was entirely too long. There was no way I could watch this in regular speed, so each episode was watched in 1.5-2x speed, and it honestly felt like it was going a normal pace. There are moments, like always, that just aren't needed.

The acting...sigh. It's not so bad in certain part, but our main guy cannot cry for shit. You know those moment you can tell when someone is crying (real tears, red rimmed eyes, puffy cheeks, etc.) and then when someone put water drops in their eyes? Yeah... But it wasn't just Namping, I wasn't really impressed with anyone's acting outside of Firstone's acting. These guys are pretty new to this (Not Keng though, he worked with Jeff??? Jaw on the floor), so I'll give them slightly the benefit of the doubt.

Ratings:

Story: 9/10 - good and strong! Flowed nicely, some parts dragged a bit, but otherwise it was good. NAMMON.

Acting: 7.5/10 - Namping could be so good with just a little more practice, I wasn't impressed really at all with anyone's acting.

Music: 5/10 - didn't pay attention to it.

Recommendation Value: 7.5/10 - This might not be everyone's bread and butter. It's a little on the scary side, kind of traumatic, and lots of jump scares. But everyone needs to see Keng in a wet white long sleeve with a back tattoo, so go for it!

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Bound by fate, kept by love, strengthened by never giving up

Khemjira stands as one of 2025’s most unexpected triumphs, not only within the BL sphere but across Thai television as a whole. What appears at first glance to be a mere romance quickly reveals itself as something far more layered, weaving love, destiny, forgiveness, and spirituality into a production guided by impeccable direction and elevated by unforgettable performances. It’s rare to encounter a series so complete, where every frame has purpose and every choice resonates beyond what the eye can see.

From the opening episode, it becomes clear that Khemjira is committed to charting its own path. By blending horror, drama, and romance, the series crafts an atmosphere both gripping and deeply moving. The story of Khem and Peem, or Pharan, unfolds with a tenderness that feels disarmingly genuine. Their love grows in cautious steps, shaped by hesitation and longing, and it’s precisely this slow burn that grounds their relationship in something recognizably human. Watching the master finally yield to love after so much resistance is profoundly rewarding. And when both characters find peace at last, granting themselves permission to love freely, the experience delivers a relief as tangible as a breath you didn’t realize you were holding.

But Khemjira’s strength extends far beyond its central romance. The writing gives every character depth and intention. Jet and Charn, for instance, form one of the most thoughtfully crafted secondary couples the genre has seen in years. Their easy, playful connection serves as a gentle pause amid the narrative’s emotional weight. Every storyline flows naturally into the next, building toward a conclusion that is as cohesive as it is moving.

And what a conclusion it is. Nearly two hours of uninterrupted storytelling, and not a moment feels superfluous. Every farewell, every reunion, every gesture of forgiveness lands with purpose. Ramphueng’s redemption, her long-awaited reconnection with her son, emerges as one of the year’s most affecting scenes. A character shaped by grief and rage finally finds peace. Khem’s act of forgiveness, more than symbolic, breaks a cycle of hatred and reminds us that love, at its most sincere, is inseparable from compassion.

DMD’s direction deserves particular praise. A company often acknowledged for technical competence but not necessarily for narrative strength, it surpasses expectations here. Pacing, performances, visuals, sound, everything aligns with striking precision. The series treats Thai spirituality and cultural elements with a level of respect and intentionality that elevates each moment, transforming the entire production into something quietly profound.

KengNamping and TleFirstOne prove themselves perfectly cast. Keng’s portrayal of Pharan commands every scene with a calm power, while Namping infuses Khem with tenderness, courage, and a steady emotional depth. Their chemistry is undeniable, but more compelling still is the sincerity with which they portray vulnerability. Tle and FirstOne, as Charn and Jet, deliver warmth and charm that balance the narrative beautifully.

Visually, Khemjira is nothing short of breathtaking. Each shot is composed like a painting, every interplay of light and shadow deliberate. Costumes, makeup, and visual effects are exceptional, especially when you consider that we’re talking about a Thai production, where technical polish is still far from the norm. The spiritual sequences, in particular, are impressively executed, elevating the narrative without ever feeling excessive. The soundtrack ties everything together with emotional precision, enriching the story without overwhelming it. At its core, Khemjira is a meditation on love and destiny, on bonds that outlast time, death, and even karma. It’s a story about forgiveness, renewal, and the courage to choose love despite the pain that often comes with it.

Watching Khemjira becomes an experience rather than a simple viewing. It invites you to feel everything, fear, longing, joy, ache, and few series manage to offer something so complete or so lasting. It’s one of those rare stories that ends but refuses to leave you, filling the heart while leaving a quiet, familiar ache of missing it already. A gift for anyone who still believes in stories that reach the soul.

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An Intriguing Thai BL That Had The Potential To Be A Lot Better

Khemjira is a supernatural thriller BL drama that centers around a cursed young man whose karma can only be altered by a shaman powerful enough to counter it. The greatest asset of this drama is its gripping story rich with Thai lore, buddhism, reincarnation, and history. Perhaps, the best and most compelling character is the main villain herself, Ramphueng. Though her evil deeds can never be justified, her grievances are deep and her motivations understandable. I watched this for the plot (yeah, really) because it intrigued me from the moment I read the synopsis, but I stayed for the second couple. Jet and Charn made this drama for me.

For the most part, this was an enjoyable drama with a riveting plot that, at times, put me on the edge. However, the central character, Khemjira, is not in the least bit interesting. Khem, as he is often called in the drama, is basically a feminized male character that is as tropey as the cursed and trapped princess in the tower waiting to be rescued by a knight in shining armor. He might as well be a damsel in distress in a typical shojo manga that cries for her beloved and must be kept safe at all times. Despite his ability to see ghosts and potential to learn magic, he is not taught the necessary skills to defend himself just because. Instead, he begs for people to help him and is practically useless all throughout the series. I'm convinced that Khem was originally written to be a helpless woman but was later changed to a man to turn it into a BL story. Oh, he cooks and cleans for everyone. That's his job. He is given the stereotypical gender role for women. If that's not a clear indication of how the author sees this character, I don't know what else to tell you. This is my biggest beef with the drama.

And because of this characterization of the main character, I had no interest whatsoever in his romance with Peem. As strikingly handsome Harit is, I just wasn't as invested in them as I was with Jet and Charn. I found myself skipping their NC scenes and fast-forwarding a lot of their interactions. I have nothing against Namping. I think he is severely lacking in the acting department but then so are the others. I give him a pass for being a newbie. I'm sure he will improve in time. I just dislike his character so much I would've given the drama up if not for the intriguing story and the engaging second couple. Besides, femboys in BL have always been a pet peeve of mine. I watch BL to watch boys fall in love, not effeminate boys. But I understand that some actually want that, it's just not for me.

I also watched this drama in 1.25x, which I don't normally do. I don't usually like speed watching but the episodes are overly long with too much fluff and many fodder characters. A lot of the scenes are just them standing around and looking at each other awkwardly as if they're waiting for the director to yell "cut". I thought that was so strange. The story could've been told in 10 episodes or fewer with just 40 minutes run-time for each. It's really not that deep. A lot of the important stuff is about Ramphueng and the curse anyway, and that was told in just 1-2 episodes. The BL stuff could take up the other 8 episodes.

The production value in this is not bad, but not impressive either. I guess for a Thai drama, it's pretty good. The music is also enchanting and apt for such a dark supernatural drama. I want to commend the writers for the detailed descriptions of the rituals and spells, though. It does seem like they are well-researched. I found this aspect of the drama especially fascinating.

But as I mentioned, it's really the second couple that got me hooked. The two actors have such great chemistry that they made me believe that they really are just two relatively straight boys who are “gay for each other”. Jet is oozing with charisma and is so adorable that I became convinced that he could make any guy fall in love. Charn's quiet strength and calm nature is a great complement to his feistiness. I suppose they are also archetypes in BL or even in hetero romance, but the fact that none of them act like girls really help sell the “gay for you” trope. Suffice to say, I adored them and always looked forward to their scenes no matter how small or trivial.

All in all, I was entertained. The story and the charm of the second couple kept me from dropping it. Would I recommend it? Sure. I know there are BL fans out there who don't have the same nitpicks or pet peeves as I do and would appreciate an interesting story and eye-candies. Would I watch it again? Probably not. I will watch snippets or videos of Jet and Charn being lovey dovey, though.

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It was great, but it's not without faults

👻What I Enjoyed/Liked👻
1. A1 cinematography & production - So incredibly well done that I can confidently say that it's among the best that I've seen this year. Also, the village setting was so well done.

2. The inclusion of Thai culture, outfits, shamanic practices, etc. They were all so grand and beautiful. I haven't seen another Thai show that includes this (granted, all I watch from Thailand is BLs), so this was super interesting to see

3. The overall story - This doesn't get a 10/10, but for the most part, the story was well done. Throughout the 12 episodes, they gave us a lot of background info on the characters and how they all connected to each other, making everything feel cohesive. By the end of the story, there aren't many loose ends

4. The acting - I think the cast, the main 4, are largely rookies, and they did a really good job. I have seen cringeworthy acting in the BL scene. These four, they deserve their flowers. I hope to see them get even better in the future

5. The NC scenes in eps 7 & 8 - Aside from the fact that they were so very hot, I feel like they suited the couples perfectly. Chan & Jet are more playful, and so was their scene. Peem & Khem are more angsty and slowburn, and their scene reflected that beautifully.

👻What I Didn't Like/Areas That Could've Been Worked On👻
1. Ramphueng should've received an apology. From her backstory, we see that they wronged her 1st. Her revenge - crazy as it was-, was justified. What that family did to her was horrible. In episode 12, they make her apologize, but why didn't they apologize to her, too? For over 200 years, no one ever said 'sorry' for playing a part in the unjust death of her and her son. Khem and his mother should've apologized to her for the parts that their past selves played in that

2. Does anyone know if Ramphueng went after all the people in that family (including the 1st wife and polygamous husband), or was it just Khem and his mother? I mean, Khem testament (as Krongkhwan) was the one who put the nail in the proverbial coffin of her death but... what happened to the other people throughout the years?

3. Khem/Namping's crying scenes - When he has to sit and cry silently, it works. It's great. But when more emotions are needed, like he needs to be on the floor sobbing, it doesn't work. IDK if this makes sense, but during these intense crying/emotional scenes, as a viewer, I can tell that he's acting (and that it's not going well)

3. Khem & Peem don't have much in the way of facial expressions - Peem is stoic, and Khem is either sad, faking a smile or on the verge of crying. I don't want to judge too harshly since perhaps this worked because that is who the characters were. However, in the future, I'd love to see Keng and Namping use their facial muscles more in whatever show they'll be on. As per the latter half of the last episode, we see that they are clearly capable of it, so let them use them.

4. Khem was always the damsel in distress, and surprisingly, doesn't have much vigor to stay alive - This might be the thing that pissed me off the most. We started the show with Khem wanting to find a way to survive past the age of 21, then his friends suggested that Peem might like him, and suddenly, all he could care about was whether Peem liked him back?! Sir?!?!?!?! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PLOT??? Listen, I understand that this is a BL. That they are meant to fall in love but... Priorities man. Vengeful ghosts 1st, romance later. Also, him up and leaving after Grandma Si died.... Come on now

5. The timeline - I might be horrendously bad at math, but I believe that the mid-1700s were at most 275 years ago. Where did the 400 years that they kept talking about come from?

6. Peem should have had a longer chasing arc - He was so mean for so long. He should've had to struggle and prove himself for longer to win Khem's affection and trust

👻Random Thoughts👻
a. Those villagers were so cool with all the ghosts. If it were me, I'd have left and never gone back😂

b. We largely saw Khem interact with ghosts that wanted him ☠️. I wish we saw his interactions with nice or at least neutral ghosts. Like the ghost mama in ep 1, who simply wanted to save her son

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The curse broke but so did my expectations at the end! Overall a fun watch!

The drama had the idea and bones of being an exceptional and unique story with its horror theme, curses lingering across lifetimes, ghosts seeking vengeance, star-crossed romances and a richly layered backstory dipped in Thai folklore and karmic justice. Very heavy and ambitious themes, and for the most part, it did manage to successfully capture my attention. Where it stumbles for me is the last episode! 

The entire story revolves around Khemjira, a young man suffering from a curse stemming from his tragic family history, where every male heir is destined to die before turning 21. To seek help, he meets Pharan/Master, a skilled, reluctant but very hot shaman.

For me, the drama excelled at handling the curse part (for the most part). The main theme was reincarnations and choices made across lifetimes and karma being carried over. I don't agree with them in real life, per se, but if I just speak in context to the drama, it did make sense to me. It's a story about how knowingly or unknowingly, lies can be weaponised into something tragic.

Where it falters is the last episode. Before the finale episode, this was an easy 8.5- 9 to me and I kind of expected them to explain all the plot points logically. But watching the last episode felt like unwrapping a humongous present that is wrapped in layers, only to find something very underwhelming inside. You still appreciate the effort because it’s a gift… but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing.

My disappointment stems from the fact that, after building up such a solid reason for the curse, performing rituals and maintaining that tension for so long, and then resolving it so anti-climactically, was part shocking and part disappointing to me. I want to keep this review spoiler-free, so I won't discuss the details of the curse, but the resolution was more of "because it had to happen, because it is the last episode" rather than answering the actual whys. Also, I still didn't get answers as to why this was the last timeline. Not answering it looked like plot convenience and a loophole that should have been addressed.

Another thing that took me out a bit was the dialogue delivery. I don't know if it was me, but sometimes there were huge pauses and gaps between the lines. I don't know if it was a deliberate directing choice but it came out more as distracting than meaningful.

Coming to the Romance aspect, I have no complaints. I found both couples very endearing. Pharan and Khem’s chemistry is basically a masterclass in denial. Like, they could write a whole thesis titled “How to Not Be in Love While Obviously Being in Love.” I enjoyed the slow-burning vibe until it lasted.
Our second couple, Jet and Chan, had this chaotic, goofy vibe around them, and I love how good the communication was between them.
Also, props to the team for managing both couples so well. I never felt they ignored or sidelined the second couple for the mains. We got two love stories that stood on their own, yet they still fit perfectly into one larger narrative where everyone mattered. It felt balanced, intentional, and genuinely well-woven.

Another aspect of drama that impressed me was Rampheung as the antagonist. I loved how layered she was as a villain. I am glad they didn't make her a love-sick cartoonish ghost. Her backstory had reasons that justified her centuries of resentment. She was terryng and while she hasn't done great things, I couldn't help but empathise with her.

Acting-wise, there were some solid performances on the board, but a few misses too or should I say a miss. Starting with Namping as Khemjira, the centre of this storm. There is no denying that his character demands that fragile, scared look, but honestly, his performances don't match the intensity that the script demands. He came off as too blank. Instead of seeing his true vulnerable side, I see hesitation. I know it's his first project and by no means am I hating on him but when I put him in contrast with every other actor in the drama, he is weak in comparison.
Keng, as Master on the other hand, carries his role like someone who understands the emotional language of stillness. As Pharan, the reluctant shaman drawn into Khem’s cursed orbit, he manages to project both weariness and care with minimal dialogue.
Green as Rampheung is easily the drama's heart. Every scene she’s in feels ten degrees more charged. Rampheung’s blend of vengeance and sorrow could have slipped into caricature, but Green keeps it simmering rather than boiling over.
FirstOne, as Jet was like the emotional palate cleanser this series desperately needs. Where others drown in curses and guilt, Jet brought spontaneity and warmth. He nailed all the emotional scenes so well.
Tle as Chan isn't the most dynamic character, but his presence feels reliable. Tle nailed the needy vibe.

Production-wise, it was excellent. The sets were detailed, and all the rituals and supernatural battles were choreographed with care. The horror elements, though not plentiful, were executed nicely too. Make-up and costumes were on point. The choice of opening credits is also praiseworthy. It matched the overall vibe perfectly.

Overall, while it was not perfect or how I expected it to tie all the knots, I did enjoy it. It was a very ambitious project from DMD. There are definitely a few "it is what it is" moments, but for a one-time watch, it was an entertaining ride.

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debunking any negative reviews

i am being extremely serious when i say khemjira is life changing, if you’re seeing any low ratings and read those reviews and think “hmm maybe this is awful” im here to let you know that you should really give khemjira a try

“oh well the romance isn’t developed” well romance isn’t the only theme you numpty.

“oh well it was so slow and long” uhh then skip parts and miss out? some people actually love the longevity and the attention to the emotions and details of the dialogue and the scenes.

“acting wasn’t very good” both keng and namping must’ve cried so much, expressed so many emotions and were just incredible, are we also forgetting that there are other actors too which did an incredible job green? tle? firstone? pung? etc etc if you’re leaving negative reviews about the casting you are absolutely mad because the casting especially with the past lives of khem jet and charn were spot on and incredible. like casting patji as a younger peem? you can’t deny that that was perfect

i haven’t seen any complaints about music yet people have been rating the music rating low? make it make sense. prang prangtip and keng harit ost 1 BEAUTIFUL, namping gorgeous, tle was majestic, firstones ost was my favourite, and let’s not forget the intro song and the other song by aof and the ost by green and grandma si and yet there’s still more songs to come out

each part of khemjira was so detailed and thought out. and as someone that has a terrible attention span, i managed to watch khemjira absolutely fine without getting bored. each part was executed incredibly and i think dmd actually deserve a ton of credit for bringing khemjira to life, because clearly a ton of effort was made. genuinely what do you even like if you don’t like khemjira? or if you don’t like khemjira, you must appreciate the efforts, the casting, the music. literally how can you not like the music? i’m sorry but if you can’t get on board with the music ill blindly assume you’re just not a fan of dmd actors.

i am really proud of this series, and i really think it’s achieved the love it deserves, as of writing it’s at 8.8/10 which i’m super proud of

anyways i gotta stop being so pressed at everything

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Beautifully Produced With Some Plot Issues

FANTASTIC production and an incredibly interesting concept, but i was super disappointed by certain aspects of this show :(

firstly, i wish Khemjira had committed to fleshing out khem's character (its literal namesake) more. he didn't do anything except ??? cry ??? and ask for help ??? and then cook ????? throughout the entire show. he had almost no agency and it was lowkey so hard to watch. he became a walking, sometimes talking damsel in distress trope. so so so sad to see especially as so many other characters were really intriguing.

there were also so many random exposition characters who showed up, fixed a problem or answered a question for khem & company, and then disappeared into irrelevancy again for no reason. let khem do things for himself!! he's a grown man!!! i promise it isn't that scary!!!!! like why did his dad randomly show up again at the end, why did his ghost mom protect him so much, and WHY can't he have any personality!!!!!!!!

also, i personally don't like the way these two "fell in love"... there was hardly any buildup, and even though the characters kept insisting that they were different people from their past lives, the only reason they got together was due to that past connection. however, perhaps this lack of prior interaction stems from the fact that, as i said before and will say again, khem has 0 personality.

as a final nitpick, i really didn't like that it was such a "thing" that peem saved khem from forest spirits when he was ~16 and khem was like????? 6-10?????? weird af, barely relevant, could've been left out so easily.

i will say that i did enjoy jet and charn as a duo much more. they had some semblance of an actual connection, far better communication than khem and peem overall, and some moments that were actually quite sweet.

ugh. i wish i could've liked this show. if khem was given any character traits other than cooking and crying, and if the romance was driven by any sort of actual connection rather than trying to fulfill the desires left over from their past lives, this would've been awesome.
despite it all, for the beautiful execution by production and the wonderful performance from most of the actors, i can't go any lower than 6/10 on this one. i unfortunately can't go higher than that, though, because why was khem so uninteresting and useless omfg i'm genuinely so pressed about it.

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Enjoyable supernatural tale

Khemjira deserves the kudos it's getting for much of its story and production. I agree with some reviewers that it was strong up to episode 9, after which the story started to falter somewhat. I think that the problem lies in how the character of Khem was written. All in all, if you like supernatural stories with lots of atmosphere, this is probably going to range somewhere from enjoyable to fantastic for you, and I do recommend it. However, the end isn't very strong, so be warned.

I'll break down what I think went wrong below:

The Romance:

Early on, it became obvious that Khem's character was a little under-developed. The romance, for example, relied heavily on the notion of a "fated love" to explain the growing feelings between the leads. Khem feels drawn to Pharan early on, which seems to be based largely on a combination of physical attraction and a sense of security that he gives. Which is fine for a start. But rather than developing a connection between the leads based on their present life personalities, goals, strengths and so on, the story quickly reveals that they were lovers in a past life. The rest of the romance develops essentially based on the notion that they already love each other in this life and the tension in the development comes from Pharan's struggle between his personal desires and his sense of responsibility towards the villagers and his duties as a shaman. In terms of letting us understand who Pharan is as a character, this works, but Khem is just sort of there.

The Ending (spoilers):

The resolution to the curse made sense in the world of the story, but the early episodes had not forshadowed it well, and the whole climax felt like we went in one direction for two episodes only for a 3 minute switch to a totally different direction to resovle the issue. They they had a character ask all the questions the audience was left with and had a monk just explain what had happened. It was disappointing.

The story would have been so much stronger if they had introduced and developed the idea that Rhampheung needed to reconnect with her humanity and let go of her resentments as the way to end the curse. And I think a way they could have achieved this is by giving us more of Khem as a character.

In episode 9, we learn how the curse started. This is such a great episode, because the situation was one in which you could absolutely believe it would create that level of resentment. Khem earlier said he didn't know what he had done, or why this was happening. After it is revealed to him, he had almost no reaction.

If they had developed Khem in such a way that we had a stronger sense of his moral compass, his beliefs, his goals and so on, this would be a point at which he could have really struggled with his new knowledge. Not only does he see his past self doing something that genuinely and significantly wronged Rhampheung, he sees that his mother also participated in that betrayal. If the story had used that turning point to give Khem more of a crisis that he had to work out, we could have seen some groundwork laid for notions of releasing resentment and forgiving oneself and others. We could have had some preliminary interactions with Rhampheung that were unsuccessful, but that started to raise doubts or questions for her. She could have fought against changing her mind in a way that could have still escalated to a battlescene, but at least the groundwork would have been laid for a sort of "talking" resolution and the ultimate reveal of reuniting her with her son. Then the ending could have flowed from the groundwork laid by the story rather than having to have the monk explain everything afterwards.

As it stood, Khem never acknowledged his own role in Rhampheung's tragedy. Although in that life, it's not easy to argue the child had a lot of choices or the capacity to navigate a terrifying situation, nevertheless her actions had consequences that resulted directly in Rhampheung's death. With the distance of another lifetime, it ought to have been possible for Khem to say something like "what I did hurt you and I'm sorry" or something like that. Or, if he wasn't ever going to say it, it would have been nice if there was something about how his character was portrayed earlier to make it make sense.

The Acting:

I've seen a lot of critiques of Namping's acting. I don't completely disagree, but I think in a lot of the crucial moments, there just wasn't much material to work with. Khem is almost more of a plot device than a character. We don't see him doing much to take action in his situation, and as I noted above, the writing doesn't explore his reaction to knowing what happened in the past.

Final verdict:

In my opinion, the things I've seen criticized the most about the show are the believabilty of the romance, the ending, and Namping's acting. I think all of these things were affected by the fact that the Khem character is (in the writing sense) a "weak" character without much depth.

Nevertheless, the show is much better than a lot of the junk out there, and there are many enjoyable aspects that make it worth your time if you enjoy supernatural/horror stories.

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“She was young and very beautiful, but pale, like the grey pallor of death.”

Yupp those are goosebumps . A state of the skin caused by cold , fear and excitement . I am glad that they are not making same typical doctor , engineer dramas , they are helping the BL drama industry to show their different sides . I have no words to describe how good this drama is . The actors / actresses are exceptionally handsome / pretty . When I was watching this series , I literally could not imagine anyone in these characters except them , the background music was adding frosting to the cake .

Sound is a vital element in creating a successful horror movie or drama . It's not just about the visuals; sounds , music, and the use of silence all play a vital role in building atmosphere, coldness , and fear. And I was surprised to see how professionally they made each scenes , there were literally no boring scenes , at every second , each horror scene literally freaked me out .

And about make up , in this budget , they did a good job , the actors are professional , sometimes I was like ' You guys are acting right ? ' because the way they were giving micro expressions wow wow .


Give this drama a try , I am 100 % sure , you guys will not regret .

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Step into the right direction, but we are still walking, not running.

On one hand I want to give big props since this drama is a massive improvement in terms of directing, editing, storytelling and acting compared to many Thai bls. It includes genres that are not often used, being more daring and bold in tags. On the other hand the execution still feels sloppy. The pacing was draggy at a few points, the horror aspect slowly vanished as the drama focused more on the romance. There were times where I felt like they tried too hard to be artsy, fancy and serious. And I don’t even want to talk about the conclusion.

What Khemjira does well is create a cohesive and rich in cultural details world. What I mean by it - the culture was an integral aspect of the story, not just decoration. For most parts I understood the strength and limitations of everyone's powers and the impact they have on them and people around them. They also did a good job showing how capable Ramphueng was in action not narration - that’s always a big plus.

What’s more, I actually strangely enjoyed the sometimes questionable moral takes this show presents. Personally I find the idea of Karma that follows you in different reincarnations unjust, but because of that I found the reasonings the characters gave for certain storylines fitting the overall themes, even if I personally disagreed with them.

I also truly appreciated all the characters, not only the male leads. With how much was already happening plot wise, I felt relieved that they did not create unnecessary mundane drama with cheap cliches. Rather than that, they used what usually is an annoying trope for a little bit of a mood change with positive characters that brought a smile to my face (looking at you Phong).

I was also extremely surprised with how good the special effects and styling was. Visually speaking this drama is a feast (yes, Master is a whole damn meal alone, main course if you ask me). Especially Ramphueng - the way her styling and make-up gradually changed, you don’t notice it at first, but by the last episode you see how badly she is affected by everything that happened. With how supernatural was not just a little part, but the driving force, all the magic, ghosts and various beings were presented in a really… tasteful manner? I could see that they took their time making sure all the details matched and it was not some “stock idea”.

On the positive side I have to talk about acting. First my favorite - Green. Her performance was so strong I started to root for her in the second half. The more we knew about Ramphueng, the more I connected to her character. Her delivery was so strong, I could feel every emotion she portrayed.

Then we have FirstOne. This man managed to show so much depth in what could be easily presented as just a comic relief character, I have to applaud him. Be it silly jokes and remarks or truly raw and heartbreaking moments - he aced them all.

Truth to be told, I loved almost everyone in the cast. Keng was able to balance Peem’s stoic persona with deep emotions, Tle balanced the nerdy, but also mature side of Chan well.

And then we have Namping… I am sorry, but for me he cannot act. It was not obvious at first - he does well with simple daily mundane scenes. Happy, surprised, little scared, hesitant, flirty. But when the story took a more serious turn and required to tap into these deep and raw emotions, he failed every scene. He was trying to squeeze these tears, sometimes managing to get one or two, but I felt nothing watching him on screen. His level of reaction was less “life or death” and more “dropped the last piece of pizza on the floor”. He also struggled with switching and moving from one emotion to another. He always pulled that hard cut between being heartbroken and fine.

Though I do think some of the issues with his performance came from directing choices too. There were a number of scenes of him crying, stopping for the dialogue to happen, and then crying again - like the emotions were being paused to deliver the lines. Some other characters also had similar issues - weird pauses between words, weird pauses between replies.

Since I was not convinced by the performance, I did not connect to the character, which led me to truly not care for the overall plot. The only reason I could potentially feel emotional is the reaction other characters would have, rather than what would actually happen to him. This is bad, real bad. He is carrying the whole story, everything revolves around him, everything is connected to him… and here I am not caring about him at all. Boy was the center of it all, but he also did nothing.

Here’s the thing though about the story - with how much the villain went through and with how poorly Khem was portrayed, I kind of was on her side. Sue me, but I will die on that hill.

Another issue I had was the fact they truly did not know how to hold the tension and transition between different scenes that had different moods. They built something up just to break it up with silly jokes and comedy so neither the serious nor the fun actually landed.

Then we have the conclusion, the lack of explanations and the “because it had to happen” as if this would be enough for me to just accept and move on, when the whole plot was built on the mystery of the curse and how to break it. The drama ended and I still do not fully understand the curse… I asked around and honestly no one gave me a proper explanation just “maybe it’s this or that”... The ending was just disappointing.

Strangely I think I have more positive feelings about all the side stories rather than the main one.

Anyway, I'm done, but it feels more like the show is done with me after slapping me in the face with random shit over and over again in that last episode. I was obsessed in the first half, but when my expectations were not met I got more and more disappointed. Maybe I would enjoy it more in a strictly-produced drama fashion with the curse being just the background noise… then the conclusion would also feel less flat.

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