Runaway (2025)

It's a shame that even GL fans are sleeping on this series.

As a horror and GL fan, I found this series to be a breath of fresh air, offering a perfect blend of suspense, romance, and captivating storytelling. Unlike other book adaptations in the GL genre, Runaway stays true to the source material, effectively capturing the story's essence and characters in a way that is both engaging and satisfying. The series does a great job of honoring the original work, bringing the story to life on screen in a captivating way.

A praiseworthy feature is the performance. The actors give strong performances, really bringing their characters to life with depth and authenticity and pulling viewers into the emotional journey of both the protagonists and the antagonist. Moreover, the story is well-paced, with each episode unraveling new twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The series manages to maintain a perfect balance between horror and romance. While the series primarily focuses on horror, the inclusion of romance in the story is done tastefully, never veering off track or losing sight of its key plot points. The slow-burn romance between the leads adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. Even without love scenes, the chemistry between the protagonists shines through. The slow-burn is slowburning.

Another aspect that stands out is the top-notch production values. The meticulous attention to detail in set design, props, and even makeup and wardrobe is commendable. Under Oat Vatanyu's direction, the series creates a visually stunning yet darker world that feels immersive and atmospheric. The seamless editing, especially the transition between the past and present, really helps build emotional rhythm throughout the series. On top of that, the excellent audio mixing and color grading further enhance the scary mood and tone of the show.

While Runaway excels in many aspects, there are some areas that could use some improvements. Some of the CGI in the series looks a bit rough, and the ghosts are very typically portrayed. They come off funny rather than scary. Plus, the level of horror is rather tame, with very minimal and predictable jump scares. So it's suitable for scaredy-cats and those who prefer a more subtle approach to horror entertainment. But for a hardcore horror fan like me, the scary parts feel a bit underwhelming.

In conclusion, Runaway simply shines on its own and manages to carve its own niche in the world of GL dramas, offering something new that is sure to captivate audiences. Plus, it proves that even without love scenes, it's still possible to make a series an excellent one. It's a shame that this series doesn't get the recognition it deserves even from GL fans.

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Chronically Under-Hyped

Runaway is probably the most slept on GL of 2025. I want someone to reply to this one day, asking if I'm crazy, because it's finally exploded in popularity. Runaway is not just good for a GL, but a great series overall. I myself didn't start watching the series until halfway through its run because I'm not a fan of horror, but I was convinced to take a chance on it. I'm urging you to do the same, because after watching the series, it has become my all-time second-favorite GL series as of the end of 2025.

What I liked about Runaway is that the GL aspect of the story was woven naturally into the series, and it didn't feel like someone had an idea for a GL series without care for the rest of the story. Nothing was forced, and everything felt like it progressed as it should.

Next, I want to commend the entire cast's performance. I always judge a cast's performance by their ability not to pull me out of the story, and I was very committed to every episode.

Lastly, the only reason I did not give Runaway a ten is because, in my opinion, some storylines needed a bit more resolving. I want to know what kind of lives Boon and Win's parents lead. What are their relationships with them like now? How is the final moment of the finale resolved? I'm hoping we get an additional episode, at which time I will revise my review.

All in all, Runaway is a breath of fresh air in the GL space. I hope all GL fans experience this series one day so that it receives the flowers it deserves.

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