solid production but zero chemistry
First things first: I had high expectations for this series - sadly, they did not get met.Let's start with the positive points though: The ghost story is interesting and there are a lot of Thai cultural and religious aspects included. I loved that the story was not just black and white - over the course of the series I really started feeling with the main 'villain' too. The production is also solid, there are many special effects and they did a surprisingly good job with them. I am personally not the biggest fan of horror, but I think the jump scares were placed well.
Now we need to talk about the weaknesses: There was absolutely zero chemistry between the main leads and I still have no idea whatsoever how they even fell in love in the current timeline - Peem was constantly mean towards Khem and there was also no enemies-to-lovers-tension that would have explained them falling for each other despite that (and no, one home-cooked meal cannot override all of the aversion between the two). The side couple was slightly better, but the only ones bringing across a truly convincing love story were actually Jin and Da. The tempo of the whole series was also waaaay too slow. I literally watched most of it with 1.5x or 2x speed in order to not fall asleep.
Overall, this would have been better if it wasn't a BL.
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Romance and Horror -- not necessarily a good match
First, I should point out that I like this series. The actors were great. Really incredible. I was totally engrossed in every single episode until the very end. The OST wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible, it didn't really catch my attention. The rewatch value for me was kind of low, because overall the ending was so much of a let down that I felt unfulfilled. It ruined my enjoyment of the series. It took me a long time to write this review, because I wanted to take some time to get away from the ending so I wouldn't base too much of my review on it's failures. This is a horror story with a little bit of romance. Too bad it got marketed as a romance. Overall, I would say it was a success. There were some good scary moments and the overall tenor of the show was horror, but often the romance got in the way of it feeling really scary. On the other side, they focused so heavily on the horror aspect that the romance kind of fell flat. There were moments when the romance took the spotlight and they were so well done. There were other moments when the horror took the spotlight and they were also so well done. I wanted the director to give the series a better focus. The horror felt less scary and the romance felt unfinished. I know there were some scenes that were shown on YouTube used to promote the show and it gave us a great glimpse of the chemistry of the main couple, however, those scenes were actually cut from the series. The last episode closes it off well, and it had moments on both the horror side and romance side that were definitely worth watching, but overall I just didn't like how let down I felt. Maybe I would go back and watch the highlights, but unfortunately I feel this show didn't have enough committment to either romance or horror to do either very well. Would still recommend, but only if you aren't picky.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
So much promise, so little pay-off. This drama is wasted potential.
The supposed “selling point” of this series is the supernatural element. You know, curses, ghosts, mystery...Except somewhere along the way, the supernatural got shoved into a closet so the show could force-feed us a romance that isn’t even well executed. If you’re going to sideline the ghosts then at least give us a love story worth caring about 😭😭??Watching this felt like two different productions rammed together. Episodes 1–2 and 11–12? Fantastic. Creepy atmosphere, strong setup, I was genuinely peeking through my blanket but still hooked. Then… everything in between. It’s as if a completely different director, cinematographer, and scriptwriter took over and decided that the curse is actually a side-plot now.
Episode 1 had me invested: who is this boy, what’s his curse, what’s lurking in the shadows? But once Khemjira lands at the Master’s house, the show abandons all of that. Instead, we get a romance that fails to explain why Peem even falls in love with him. Like Peem is LITERALLY a red flag come on now.
Half the time I was sitting there thinking: If he’s cursed, where are the ghosts? Where are the consequences? Why is everyone acting like this is fine when the curse is supposedly at its peak? Sure, Peem’s house is a temple, so maybe ghosts can’t stroll in, but the writers could have introduced SOMETHING to show the curse’s impact. But nah, nada. Why is the curse suddenly such a one-ghost thing?? Why does the one-ghost thing only happen when Khem is at Peem's house?? Why is there no stronger consequences?? Honestly, I only started enjoying the series again once Khem returned from town and went back to his dorm. At least then the story remembered it had a *scary* supernatural plot.
I genuinely want to support dramas that try to introduce complex elements to queer stories and do not want to make "it's queer" the drama's entire personality. This drama managed to fumble both the supernatural plot AND the romance. Like… pick a struggle. Peem seems bizarrely unconcerned that Khem could literally die from his curse, and Khem himself doesn’t seem too bothered either. I will not deny that the themes they were intending to explore (including not only the magic, reincarnation, karma, and buddhist elements but also the themes related to Ramphueng, familial devotion, sacrifice etc.) were great and deserve a shoutout, so does the production, but I simply cannot overlook the problems with the plot.
This is a story that does a back and forth between “omg my curse!” and “omg does he like me back though!” without ever committing to either, and in so doing, fails to stick.
The only thing I absolutely loved is the OSTs lmao.
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Khemjira is an interesting drama, but one with considerable flaws in editing and execution.
Khemjira is a mystical BL drama with a distinctive historical premise, yet quite uneven in its overall execution. To begin with, its story holds great potential for strong development. Culturally engaging and rooted in Thai traditions, it becomes a true gem that is hard not to admire.For fans of the supernatural genre—reincarnation, spiritual possession, past lives, and ancient mystical deities—*Khemjira* offers an appealing dish that certainly deserves to be tasted.
Another important point that cannot go unmentioned is the commitment of the entire team to delivering a quality production. This is especially evident in the behind-the-scenes footage shown after each episode.
Unfortunately, in my view, this is where the best aspects of the drama end. I watched it until the very end mainly because of the story itself and, above all, the second couple, Chan and Jet. They completely stole the spotlight from the main protagonists.
With strong performances and chemistry that clearly extends beyond the screen, FirstOne and Tle Matimun portrayed Jet and Chan with mastery, charisma, and that lingering feeling of “wanting more.” Truly beautiful to watch.
On the other hand, the character who should have been the center of attention—Khemjira himself, portrayed by Namping—was a disappointment. Perhaps due to his young age and lack of experience, perhaps because of the way the director shaped his character, or perhaps due to his effeminate mannerisms, he failed to convey sympathy, emotional connection, charisma, or compelling chemistry.
A weak character, overly dependent on others, with an apathetic face and empty or unconvincing expressions, was undoubtedly the worst possible choice for carrying this drama.
His almost nonexistent chemistry with the handsome actor Keng Harit was a missed opportunity. Although Harit himself did not deliver a particularly strong performance—especially considering his potential—his presence in the mildly intimate scenes was appealing. Unfortunately, it simply did not work alongside Namping.
Given Thailand’s tendency to repeatedly pair the same actors across different dramas, I sincerely hope this does not happen with Harit and Namping. Otherwise, their career growth and long-term success could be compromised.
I understand that many viewers may appreciate this casting choice. I do not. Effeminate actors in BL dramas do not appeal to me. My apologies to the fans. That said, my heart remains open—perhaps one day a character like this will win me over.
In conclusion, Khemjira is an interesting drama, but one with considerable flaws in editing and execution. The episodes are excessively long, with oddly paced and unnatural dialogue. Some scenes even become unintentionally comical, with characters staring at each other, seemingly unsure of what to say or how to continue, simply waiting for the “cut” signal.
Do I recommend it? Yes—especially for the secondary couple.
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I did not like so much
Best BL of the century, of the world, of all time, of the year? Not for me.This BL is so slow that directors like Darren Aronofsky or Terrence Malick would be jealous.
The development of the romance is so slow and boring that it's more stagnant than a mere slow burn. Some people will say that wasn't the focus... fine, but the backstory is equally tedious, with the ghost woman who haunts the title character... there came a point where I wanted her to just take him already. At first, the shaman doesn't want to help him, so we see several episodes dragging on with nothing really happening, like that meme of hay rolling in the desert and the viewer watching... The two main actors perform as poorly as the others from the same company, but here we have a problem: Namping acts in such a disappointing and lukewarm way, while Keng .He seems like the passionate one of the pair. besides, it doesn't even seem like Khem is going to die at any moment... The positive points are that we see the money invested in the series, but the story itself is a bunch of boring nothingness.
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this is peak bl
genuinely one of the - if not the most - peak bl i have ever watched. from the gripping soundtrack to the lovely cinematography, everything about this drama was a masterpiece. i especially loved the romance between peem and khemjira - it was a master slowburn full of deep longing stares and repressed feelings. don't even get me started on peem and his eyes and how unreasonably fine that man is. he had me swooning every time he was on screen. if you want yearning and pining then this show is for you - because the way those 2 yearned for each other needs to be studied.also, the actual plot had me hooked - i loved the flashbacks to their previous lives and how it all connected to the present. it was so refreshingly original and just beautifully crafted . jin and da were especially cute. anyways i'm going to miss this show it's become a part of my routine. i've genuinely entered a state of depression because i already miss this show - 12 episodes is not enough!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
They (mostly) stuck the landing!
Khemjira just wrapped up its final episode yesterday, and honestly, I think it’s one of the best shows Domundi has put out. Unlike many of their previous productions, Khemjira stands out for its strong writing and clear storytelling focus. Instead of trying to cater to fan service or BL shippers, the show prioritizes its narrative and characters—and that makes all the difference. It doesn’t feel like a “typical” BL show; it feels like a show that knew exactly what it wanted to say and how to get there.I don’t want to make this about comparing it to The Next Prince, even though they share the same director, but the contrast is undeniable. The Next Prince felt grand and polished, but its main characters were too flawless to be interesting. Khemjira, on the other hand, invests deeply in its characters and story rather than surface-level aesthetics. That’s the key to what makes it so good—it’s grounded, emotionally resonant, and character-driven. It's not perfect. There are some flaws here and there with the pacing, but it's very impressive nonetheless.
It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure is mine. The OST for this show is also stunning, and the cinematography was as beautiful as always. Mandee knows how to make beautiful-looking shows.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the ending dragged a little and the tone shifted from the rest of the series. I wish it had been shorter, so we could really focus on the aftermath of everything that happened. The climax also felt slightly anticlimactic; I was hoping for a bigger payoff. Especially since the build-up was really good. Still, it did justice to Ramphueng's arc. I really appreciate that the show didn’t go for an easy redemption or simple forgiveness for her. Instead, it acknowledged her pain and grief without erasing her wrongs.
Overall, Khemjira is a refreshing change of pace—a show that proves good storytelling will always outshine fan pandering and flashy production.
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That's how it's done, son!
This series has ruined other shows for me! I get to the end of another program and I'm like, why wasn't that resolved as well as Khemjira? Why wasn't the music as good? Why wasnt the acting as good? Why wasnt it as visually appealing? Why wasnt the chemistry as fire as Khemjira? You know, maybe don't watch it because it will set the bar so high you cant enjoy other series!First couple is obviously great, but the second couple had me living for every interaction. The actors seemed really comfortable, which made the chemistry between the onscreen characters 10 of 10. It was chemistry so good I can't wait to see them in a future project.
And the music! OMG! I almost never comment on the OST, but this time I gotta. Mantra? Just wow. The version with Keng singing lives in my soul now. The instrumental version may be even more transcendent. It sets the mood perfectly, and when I rewatched the series I was filled with anxious anticipation each time I knew it was coming. It may have outflanked Why Don't You Stay from KinnPorsche and the OST for Thundercloud Rainstorm (both of which I really love).
Bottom line, I need a shaman, an amulet, and friends like these in my life right now! I'll pass on the vengeful spirit, though.
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so very close to being perfect
is this (for me subjectively) the best series of all time? sadly, no, but it's still a masterpiece and it deserves the hype.anyone can see from just one episode how much care and dedication has been put into this series.
- the cast fits their roles very well and everyone did a great job acting (you cannot seriously look me in the eyes and tell me anything bad about the acting let's be serious)
- the cinematography and soundtrack are gorgeous, actually the best i've seen i think
- the story is well crafted and adapted, especially the "villain" and the past lives, and despite the quite lengthy episodes i've never felt bored
now, i couldn't give it a maximum rating because:
- at times i felt that the pace was a bit off and there were a few plot points and arcs that i didn't particularly enjoy (such as the jealousy scenes leading up to peem and khem confessing)
- i'm so sorry but i didn't care about charn and jet like... almost at all. i didn't dislike them and i loved their past life and rooted for them but not in the present. i have nothing against the authors either, i guess it's just a matter of taste?
i'm really hoping for special episodes and bonus scenes, i need to see more of peemkhem's married life
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THE BEST SUPERNATURAL BL SERIES
Domundi has done its best in delivering the story. The cast, the set, the lighting, vfx, and everything else was so pure and magical in its own way. This is a must watch series. I just fell in love with it from episode 1 itself.The storyline is captivating and new in its essence. The suspense is maintained throughout all the episodes making us feel more eager to watch the next plot.
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This review may contain spoilers
A possible sign of what's to come
One can certainly understand the wide praise given to Khemjira. Being lauded as one of the most important BLs of 2025, it is certainly a production worth seeing.And yet, it possesses irritating flaws. Some writing choices leave much to be desired, bordering on the absurd: for instance, why is Khem so very often alone despite the seriousness of his situation. Jet and Chan are supposed to be watching over him, but is often left unattended. Aspects like this make the series poorer.
Green, who plays Ramphueng, gives a particularly powerful interpretation of her character. So does Pung as Yos. The series gains strenght from its supperb supporting cast. The four main actors try their best, and yet one could wonder what they'd do if they had more experience under their belts.
One is left scratching one's head over the introduction of Khachen. A missed opportunity, for this character is not in any way instrumental to the plot; contrary, for instance, to the monk introduced also later in the plot, who proves essential to the resolution. Khachen's introduction should have been 2 to 3 episodes earlier, allowing for further delving into Master's past.
The series could have gained more from going deeper into the backgrounds of the characters. As such, Khem is left bordering the dangerous territory of damsel in distress and Master the role of the emotionally distant, all-powerful knight in shining armor.
Khemjira as a series does try to stray away from the common tropes of Thai BLs. Certain innovations in storytelling, the architecture of its filming, certain acting choices, do provide the outlet for it. And yet, sometimes it tends to go back to known territory. Old habits tend to die hard.
As such, I tend to see Khemjira as a work signaling a wider transition in the Thai BL industry: from somewhat poor BLs to those who encompass complexity. It is a work worth seeing, perhaps mostly for providing the tone for richer productions in the future.
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