Beautifully made but emotionally distant
Visually stunning with thoughtful production and a unique vibe. GELBOYS had strong acting and an artistic style that made it easy to stay focused while watching. However, I didn’t feel emotionally invested in the story or the characters. It’s beautiful but lacks impact.I respect the quality and what it tried to do, but there wasn’t much pull for me to keep watching or to rewatch it after finishing. I’m rating this 8/10, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s well-crafted and still gave me a good experience despite the emotional distance.
Personal rating: 8/10
Technical strength: 9/10
Emotional resonance: 7/10
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Maximalism and the inexperienced love conflict of Gen Zs
Teenagers tend to experiment and are easily swayed by minimal affections, disregarding the red flags. This is a story of four boys who face a complicated yet common discord among their generation. But before anything else, everyone probably knew that the aesthetic approach was the most notable element of the show. It was shown throughout their promotions and the creative set of OSTs. The appeal of colorful designs from accessories to their high-fashion outfits was all pleasing. They reintroduced gel nail art as a new trend, and I even want to try it myself.Going back to the new gen topic, young people utilize technology and the internet not just to connect with one another but as a new platform to flirt and date. It is fun to witness a relatable scenario such as posting some random story to get the target audience’s attention. Setting up a playlist to add songs to listen to was also entertaining.
Building up the tension was the most explicit emotion I got from watching the series. They know how to spice up things and produce fiery plots. It started from Fou4Mod liking Chian, to Chian liking Bua, to Bua liking Baabin, but Baabin liked Fou4Mod. Then they gave us the cycle of who fell harder, lost the game, and the I-do-everything-to-make-him-jealous EPs.
Fast forward to EP05, it was probably the big pause from the four of them. The closure of the love triangle between Fou4Mod, Chian, and Bua was satisfying. But then, they level up the intensity on that one single video call scene at the end of EP06. They surely love to play with our minds to the point that I am content that no one should end up together at the end.
At the final episode, we got the conclusion for everyone’s story. Baabin and Bua ended up together while Fou4Mod and Chian reconnected. The confrontation scene during the random dance challenge was too perfect. All actors performed their roles so passionately.
Shooting the film through an iPhone was a brave decision for the production to come up with. However, it obviously has its cons. The majority of the shots are long distance, and it feels so draining that they break the 3-second rule when it comes to the duration of each sequence. Nevertheless, the story is so unique and bold that I found myself getting used to the camera setting.
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Best Teen Drama I've seen in years
I never give 10/10s but this show 100% deserves it. I typically don't see this quality of acting, story, and production in Thai BLs that I've watched. This show in the way that it's filmed and set up it feels classic. The shots reminded me a lot of an post WWII Italian movie I watched in my film class. Which isn't super important to my review but I kept thinking about it so I had to share. Along with the classic feel it bring in elements of the modern world. I am obsessed with the way the editing was done. The aesthetics of this show and the clothing are literally to die for and so current with the times without feeling too out of place with the current time. I really loved the story I think the characters were written so well. They felt like people I know, and the way they deal with their emotions makes so much sense to me. While would I do the same? No. I understand at that age it's really hard to understand your full emotions especially when it comes to love. I've found alot of Thai BL dramas dramas don't hit the mark with me especially the jealousy trope they usually have. This show however the jealousy is more realistic and understandable. I loved loved loved the acting in this I thought it was so well done. The characters were so dynamic and the way that social media was portrayed was so realistic which I quite literally never see. The only thing that I don't use as much as they do is Instagram stories lol. Even though this show is more artsy and film like, it's not hard to follow in comparison to A24 films I've watched. I can't say enough how real this show felt. I think this will be hard to beat for other dramas this year. In honor of the gel boys I got my nails done while not as crazy still fun!Was this review helpful to you?
it could have been a 10, but it wasn't
You can tell this was made with Boss Kuno, the same director of ITSAY. It had that coming of age vibe and it SERVED looks, cinematography and aesthetics, really satisfying to watch. The first half was also really really good, but eventually it went downhill.PRODUCTION
Production-wise, it was AMAZING and so consistent. The aesthetics were there from start to finish. Their styles and outfits, the colors, the angles, the whole cinematography was incredible. I especially liked the way they showed social media and the zoom calls, it made me feel like I was part of the show, which made me even more engaged. A cool and beautiful production, we need more BLs like this.
MUSIC
I had the best time with the music fr. We were introduced to some artists during the show, and I might be biased because I listen to those artists too, but they were really good. The music was part of the story, so it's nice to see good artists and song choices. As an OST itself, I think the music was well paced, it was there when it was needed and it wasn't when it wasn't needed, it contributed to the emotional impact of the show in a good way. The only thing I didn't really like about the music was those nosy sounds that were there sometimes, the melody (?) I don't really know, but I understand it was part of/added to the vibe of the show, it's just not my cup of tea and I found it annoying.
STORY
For the first 2/3 episodes I was literally giggling and kicking my feet, they had so much chemistry, the way things were revealed (combined with the amazing production) was so interesting, I was sooo engaged.
All the characters were just teenagers with their own tastes and styles, and they dedicated an episode to each of them, which made the story even more interesting, we could see everyone's perspective and the reasons behind every action, the storytelling was going in a good direction, but then it went downhill.
Somewhere in the middle, the same things and situations just kept happening, it's like the characters were stuck and not growing, and I ended up feeling frustrated. It's not that the plot was bad, it's not unique or special, but it wasn't bad, it just fell apart. It became boring and uninteresting. I'm not complaining about the situation of the characters, because I know that was supposed to make the viewers feel frustrated (I'm trying my best not to give spoilers pls), but they gave too much "screen time" to the issue and then rushed the end, the way they handled the middle of the story negatively affected the end of the show, which is sad considering everything else was just so well done.
The 2nd couple shined in the last episodes, honestly at some point and 100% unexpected (I didn't expect them to be a couple, nor was I rooting for them), I was more interested in their story. The main couple was in the same situation like 95% of the show, when the 2nd couple potential came to the surface they just stole me, because of them the BL story got better, at least something was going on.
I didn't really like the finale to be honest, I don't think it made sense. This ending would have been better if they got together sooner, because I wasn't even rooting for the main couple anymore.
In conclusion, this BL had everything to be a 10/10 show, but unfortunately it wasn't because the story fell flat. I recommend it though, I just wish I liked it more. (If you want to compare: ITSAY was better)
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Teenage Angst, Drama, Obsession, Nail Painting and BlackPink
This seems to be the most quirky, feminized Thai gay love story that I enjoy. But despite some femme get-ups, the characters retain a certain masculine balance.
I binge-watched this while looking for a BL series to enjoy over a weekend. I tried to watch 2 episodes for a start, but I ended up liking it. So I finished the whole series until the ghostly hour.
It managed to convey different emotions from me. I hate some parts where Chian was leading Fou4mod and when Fou4mod got a girlfriend in an attempt to spite and forget Chian. I love and empathize Bua's character while I pity Baabin's obsession with Fou4mod. I gushed when Bua and Baabin got together eventually.
The series rightfully demonstrates how love can be toxic when you let obsession overrule your cognitive reasoning. This is particularly true among Gen Z youths, in an era when fashion, Kpop, rebel creativity and the need for individualism have been pushed as the standard to make this generation different from the previous generations.
The series showcases a daisy chain of love polygons, which is why I find it very quirky. But the story is too good and too unique for me to end up liking it.
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Promising Young Talents in Thai BL Drama About Love and Friendship
Gel Boys is a refreshing and engaging Thai BL series that beautifully explores themes of friendship, identity, young love, and self-discovery. Set in Bangkok, the story follows a group of boys as they navigate their personal growth, musical interests, and a passion for nail art. The show’s portrayal of young, hesitant love and the evolving dynamics of friendship feels authentic and grounded in reality, making it stand out from other BL dramas.The cast delivers strong performances, and while I wasn’t familiar with any of the actors beforehand, I was pleasantly surprised by their natural chemistry and emotional depth. The series stands out for its unique storyline, tackling issues like self-acceptance, societal expectations, and finding one’s true identity in a way that feels both heartfelt and relatable. It’s a rare treat in the BL genre, offering more than just romantic moments by diving into the characters' personal journeys. The plot moves at a good pace, keeping you invested in each boy’s story and their individual struggles. By the end, I found myself really looking forward to a potential sequel and excited to see where the careers of some of these talented actors go next.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Disastrous Tragedy
This show started off so well, then quickly went downhill. Everybody on this show loves playing with each others emotions, even with the viewers emotions. This show left me sick to my stomach. Chian deserves the worst. Fou is an idiot but somehow the one that was done the most dirty in the end. Baa was one of my favorite characters until he proved he was just like the rest of them. And Bua was alright, but him and Baa did NOT have to get together. They had me screaming at my screen. Fou and Baa at least needed some sort of closure, Baa literally left a BLACKPINK concert for him then all of a sudden is on love with Bua?? Btch please. Although the story did keep me entertained, the acting was very good, unique, and the ost was on point. But the writers need to go to hell bcuz wtf was this. Chian the VILLAIN of the show won, Fou is back in a toxic relationship with him for the millionth time, Baa and Bua will never work out, and now im pissed.Was this review helpful to you?
Gelboys: A Raw, Unfiltered Masterpiece That Hits Where It Hurts (and Heals)
It took me a while to finally press play on Gelboys, but when I did—boy, was I blown away.This Thai BL series isn’t your typical glossy, rom-com escapade. Gelboys is bold, gritty, and heartbreakingly authentic. It’s a mirror held up to the raw realities of growing up queer in Thailand, and for many, it will feel like a mirror held up to their own lives. Watching it reminded me vividly of my own coming-of-age—those first confusing, electrifying realizations of being attracted to the same sex. That kind of emotional echo? Rare, and incredibly powerful.
New Chayapak’s portrayal of Fou4Mod and Pj Mahidol’s take on Baabin are painfully real—stripped of artifice and delivered with striking vulnerability. Their dynamic is a true-to-life depiction of teenage queerness: messy, complicated, brave. And then there’s Leon Zech, whose internal monologue and expressive reaction shots as Bua pack a punch that lingers. His subtle delivery transforms even silence into a scream of emotion.
On the opposite end, Pide Monthapoom’s character, Chian, got under my skin in the best and worst ways—exactly what the role demanded. Even the supporting cast is on point, each character adding layers of realism and emotional weight that make Gelboys stand out in a sea of overproduced love stories.
From the cluttered rooms and streets to the beautifully unpolished look of the cinematography, everything feels... lived in. The production chose realism over perfection, and it pays off in full. The cinematography and color grading deviate from the bright, dreamy palettes typical of BLs, but here, that choice enhances the rawness of the storytelling and makes the entire viewing experience feel visceral.
The plot itself is deceptively simple—but the way it’s told? Absolutely nerve-wracking. Every twist, every silent glance, every emotional confrontation entangles you deeper. More than once, I found myself emotionally wrecked, aching for these characters. And let’s not forget the soundtrack—it’s perfectly curated to heighten every emotional beat, adding depth without overshadowing the performances.
The script is cleverly crafted, layered with subtext and sincerity. It’s rare to find a BL series that dares to be this emotionally honest, this unfiltered—and that’s exactly why Gelboys deserves the spotlight.
I’m already counting the days until season two drops. If this is the direction Thai BL is taking, we’re in for a renaissance.
Verdict: Gelboys is not just a series—it’s a feeling. One that stays with you, long after the credits roll.
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another masterpiece by my favorite director.
your high school heartbreak will be one of those memories you're never gonna forget for the rest of your life. it's the age of discovering more about yourself, immaturity is ripening, and mistakes are just around the corner of making decisions. you are yet to know your strengths and weaknesses, thus you are bound to make mistakes, hurt people, and hurt yourself.gelboys is a realistic depiction of how futile yet vital emotion-driven decisions are to adolescents who are discovering more about the world, the people around them, themselves, and the cruelty of romance.
and what i love the most about this series is how raw and blatant the illustration have been. how every prolonged no-dialogue scenes give you a moment to digest their emotions and think about it. how inclusive and embarrassingly realistic it is for the young ones in this generation, including myself.
yes, it's messy and a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but i guarantee you, you'd love all the four gelboys even after it all. they're lovely, and they deserve the world. heavy kudos to the talented boys who played their role amazingly.
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let me grab your... hand when i tell you this:
this is a show made by people who understand human beings, human emotions and human behavior.the only issue i had was that constant drama eventually pushes characters into a corner which leads to poorly paced and not so satisfying ending. however even if it could be seen as a major flaw regarding storytelling, I think that all the things that come before make up for it.
this is a show that treats characters and the audience with respect and trust, the slowly paced story with static, long shots allow actors to properly and naturally express various emotions. the performances are raw and real, bring jealousy for the youth and longing for the freedom.
another thing that deserves recognition is art surrounding this piece of a cinema, because make up artists, costume designers, editors, animators, all of the creative team were able to accomplish this vivid, messy, loud aesthetic and not overdo it, not overwhelm the viewer which is very easy when it comes to media for newer generations having presence of internet culture. it was also thanks to clever directing, because all this visual bombs put on indie, arthouse style of film making helped the show to balance pleasing the eye and leaving proper space for breath.
this definitely is not your average bl show, this is an example of what care and ambition for creating art and connecting with human emotions looks like.
i envy the young that can experience this in their teenage years.
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This review may contain spoilers
A good story is a good story.
Consider me in love again because watching Gelboys just made me feel so many things all at once and I am so happy that I got to watch this. Yes, I am not sure if I can say this but Boss Kuno has done it again. I mean, my favorite BL is I Told Sunset About You and he is a big part of that story so when I heard that he wrote and directed a new series for iQiyi titled Gelboys, I am so excited to watch it that I really binged the entire show as fast as I can. I really am happy with this show and I think what I love is that it is very different from his previous outing but what I enjoyed most here is the way he used emotions of the characters to really express a story which is more than fascinating enough to really root for the characters and really fall in love with them. I think it is safe to say that we have four main characters in the show but it is entangled by one love story between Fou4mod and Chian but it will be branching out to include the love story of Baa Bin and Bua. Yes, this is a love square and I know that it might be hard for some people to really dig these types of story but I really have to give it to the writing of the show because, yes, they have given a square of love stories here but what makes it so enticing is how character-driven the storylines are with some of the episodes being focused on one character to really let them grow and give us a chance to really know them as part of the story that we are watching and not just side characters to the main storyline. The story is basically following Fou4mod as he fell in love with this charming upperclassman in Chian. They were able to bond through their love for gel on their fingers which le to the relationship to grow more and more. There a quintessential push and pull with the relationship of Fou4mod and Chian. I think what this really highlights is the uncertainty of being a teenager and how young love especially the first one you throw yourself into can really be a hard ship to navigate. We got to really see them try to understand themselves as they are trying to understand what they are all feeling because it all felt to them like they are in a sinking boat where the love that they chose is wanting to go towards another person. This is a kind of love that might be a bit hard to follow and swallow so I can fully understand the confusion that these characters are experiencing and we all have been there. Personally, the character I relate to the most is Baa Bin. I will be honest and say that I want to be like Bua who has an option with who to love but I am more like Baa Bin in an unrequited love. I feel like we all have been in these positions and we all been these kids who are unsure of their future and what they want. It is a tricky field to be in and what I enjoyed most about the show is that they are not trying to judge or justify the decisions of these kids but instead let them experience love the way that they are experiencing it. This feels like the first show that is totally set in these time because it felt young and new. I really am impressed with the creation of the series because it took many liberties not just in its storylines but also with how they presented the story. It is not just following one set of cinematography but instead they decided to really play on it and try on as many things as they can to replicate and produce which just made so much sense to me. It is fun and it felt young just like the generation that they are trying to represent. I think that it is safe to say that this creativity with cinematography and editing even made the series more engaging to watch not just to the younger audience but also to the older ones like me. It is engaging in the sense that you are visually pleased and entertained with what you are seeing that you want to see more. You are also engaged with the story of these young people that you want to know more and how their stories will end. The latter half of the show really gave the spotlight to Bua and Baa Bin and I am so happy for them because they are so good together and their scenes are just so lovely. I think the same can be said with Fou4mod and Chian but we got to see them more so we got a good amount of their chemistry and they have amazing chemistry and you will never be able to convince me otherwise because I really enjoyed them together. They are played by New and Pide respectively and I was not very interested with them at the beginning of the show but the charm and chemistry really pulled me in and the next thing that I know is that I am seriously rooting and wanting for them to be together. I know that the push and pull can be a bit tiring but I have to give it Fou4mod because he really tried his best with him but he was very hesitant too and it was a bit too late for him to decide. I know that people are a bit irritated with Chian as well but he is also just a young boy trying to understand what these feelings are and he is trying his best to navigate it all without the adult supervision that he needed. Again, we all have been in their position and I think that, even as adults, love is a very hard thing to be rational about because it is something that does not invite you to be rational. We have an amazing cast that truly captured what it means to be young and in love in that age in this generation. We have a story that fully captured what it feels to fall in love for the very first time and how awkward and hard to navigate this can be. I am just so happy with what this show accomplished and how they tackled the story because it was all worth it and I am happy to have watched such a beautiful and meaningful show. It is that good. I will really miss my Gelboys. Now, I should have some gel on my nails as well.Was this review helpful to you?
Imperfect teenhood
GELBOYS encapsulates teen years of the current age amidst the pressure of a bustling urban life while being queer. It's youthful, fresh, and very unique in the queer drama scene. The main characters dance with their feelings, pushing and pulling, questioning whether it's true love or not, which keeps you hooked until the end.The story carried well with the characters. The subtle emotion, feelings, personalities and interactions filled up the time and kept me interested. I loved the theme of the gel nails and what it meant for each character. I absolutely loved how the main characters were largely presented as femme and were unabashed in their femininity. It's very rare to find a main cast like this, and to have their main love interests express their femininity as well. It was unique and a big plus in this series.
The acting delivered a fairly believable performance. It was quirky, fun, sweet, sad, embarrassing, irritating, all in one sitting. They portrayed a realistic sense of teenage adrenaline and rebellion.
The music was quite bubbly and though not all to my taste, really set the scenes and sonically expressed the meaning of youth. Some are very poppy and fun, while the slower songs were a nice contrast when the scenes became more serious.
The only thing I personally didn't enjoy was the quick wrap-up of the conclusion; the last bit of the series felt a tad rushed.
I recommend giving this series a try, absolutely, 100%. If you watched and enjoyed "I Told Sunset About You", you'll experience the same charms, the same heartbreak, the same emotional rollercoaster in GELBOYS but with unique twists and turns.
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