Phaen Rak Chabap Rai (2025)

Not a bad series, but a bit underdeveloped and rushed.

When you have 3 couples, some conflicts to solve, and villains to deal with within 18 episodes and 45 min runtime for each episode, the outcome would be either underwhelming or rushed or a mix of both. While this series is not exactly bad, it lands somewhere between underdeveloped and rushed.

As Mik and Pinkploy's first full series together, Beauty Reborn shows promise. I’ve been looking forward to seeing them together ever since their brief scene in “Warden of the Sky.” While Mik-Pinkploy have good chemistry, it’s a bit overshadowed by the lack of development in their characters and relationship. Plus, the relationship development for the other couples (Nam-Baicha and Wayo-Sarach) feels a bit rushed, missing the depth and complexity that would really draw you in. If only they explored their dynamic more properly, this series could really shine.

There's also a significant improvement in terms of production quality. Compared to Ch7’s 2022-2023 series, I’d say this series shows a more polished look and quality. But in terms of story, the title seems to imply a transformation theme, but the actual plot seems to stray a bit from that expectation. It focused more on the political issues within the company, which kind of leaves the overall story feeling a bit underwhelming.

Overall, Beauty Reborn is a decent drama with noticeable shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Sure, it has its ups and downs, but I found it pretty enjoyable. Honestly, I like this series for its unique approach, especially now that Ch7 is more open to including LGBTQ+ couples/stories. Unlike many Ch7 dramas that rely heavily on intense conflict and over-the-top villains, Beauty Reborn finds a nice middle ground that is neither too intense nor too lackluster. The conflicts are typical but not too much to handle, so you won’t get a headache from all the heavy plots.

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Waste of resources

From time to time, I watch Lakorns, although I often find them stressful and end up reminding myself that I should read reviews before starting a new series. It begins like a typical drama, centred on a love triangle — or even more complicated relationships — combined with hatred and revenge, which feels unnecessary but seem to be a standard feature of the genre.

The male lead is an actor whose previous work I have enjoyed; however, in this role he appears unconvincing, with limited emotional expression and little depth to his character. His storyline feels overcrowded, as he is involved in multiple complicated relations at once. His former partner returns full of regret and in need of financial support, and, despite the circumstances, he is the only one shown caring for her in hospital, with no apparent support from friends or family. Why all exes don't have family, friends to support in such scenes. Afterwards, he decides to support his brother’s pregnant girlfriend, who is in love with him and even asks him to divorce the female lead. Not long after, her feelings suddenly shift towards the second male lead, which makes the plot feel even more inconsistent.

The female lead is portrayed as endlessly forgiving and understanding to an almost unrealistic degree, accepting everything that happens around her without question, usual thai lakorn.

One aspect that I find particularly frustrating, making my blood boil is the recurring trope where the male lead uses physical affection as a way to assert control, such as threatening to kiss the female lead if she speaks or disagrees. This is a must in all thai Lakorns and does feel repetitive and uncomfortable rather than romantic. Is the only way to convince a woman in there?

So that about it, the story ends, nothing else, no chemistry, didn't feel any love at any point, waste of so many resources.

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