Like a Palette (Uncut Ver.) (2025)

Strong ideas and messages, weak execution.

"Like a Palette" is one of the books by Zezeho that I really enjoy, so I was looking forward to the series. But as much as the series is faithful to the book, the way it was brought to life is rather weak. At first glance, it seems like your typical student romance series with the senior-junior romance trope. But it delves into some ideas that set it apart - the self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the impact of societal prejudices, particularly transphobia. The series handles these sensitive topics with care, depicting the struggles in a respectful and impactful manner. Unlike many other GL series that shy away from explicitly naming the characters' sexual orientations, this series boldly embraces and celebrates lesbian identity. By doing so, the show normalizes and validates same-sex relationships, challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals.

One of the refreshing aspects of this series is the portrayal of a supportive and loving family environment. The main character, Jane is surrounded by a circle of family members who offer unwavering support and encouragement. And the mom is definitely a positive character which is different from the typical moms we see in most GL series. And I like the jazzy OST.

While the series is commendable for tackling these important issues and the underlying positive messages, the execution falls short in some areas. The acting needed a lot more polish. Jane, portrayed by Thongfah Alicha, is the star of the show, but Thongfah’s somewhat unnatural performance diminishes the impact of the character, hindering the emotional connection. Her dialogue delivery sounds weird too. Even Prigkhing’s good acting can't help much. But the rest of the cast deserve praise for making this series more bearable. And Prigkhing-Fah's on-screen chemistry is somewhat lacking, making Dai-Jane's dynamic less convincing.

On top of that, the pacing feels a bit choppy, with certain scenes and plot developments lacking coherence and smooth transitions. And while the cinematography is okay, the visual storytelling fails to give the key plot points the impact they deserve. There were quite a few times I wasn't only cringed at Jane's acting, but also the awkward camera angles.

Overall, Like A Palette has the potential to be an engaging series, but the execution and acting just don't meet the mark. While it may not be a flawless series, its bold approach to storytelling and commitment to addressing vital societal issues make it a noteworthy addition to the genre.

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A pastel mess.A cute GL that made me smile… and side-eye the direction hard

This series is undeniably cute . Like, tooth-achingly cute at times. The chemistry wants to work, and honestly, the entire cast does a really good job acting and thy try to make some awareness about transgender issues and same gender relationships. Their emotions feel sincere, the shy looks land, and the realization arc between the leads is something I genuinely enjoyed as a fem×fem sapphic🌈💗

One thing I absolutely loved and I mean loved is that the show clearly uses the word “lesbian.” No vague dodging, no euphemisms. Say it with your chest. That alone earned major points from me.

That said… whew. The direction is very silly and weak. It feels like the director straight-up missed so many important moments that should’ve deepened the story and the romance. The plot itself is pretty much just flooding —nothing special, nothing memorable, just events happening without much impact.

My biggest gripe is the relationship progression. After they get together, it feels awkward and fake 😐. They’re sleeping side by side like an old married couple, barely touching. Girl?? Newly together couples are usually clingy, hugging, leaning, always finding excuses for skin contact. That intimacy just wasn’t there, and it completely broke the illusion for me. The actors could’ve sold it—but again, this feels like a directing failure, not theirs.

Final thoughts:
Cute? Yes. Well-acted? Absolutely. Groundbreaking plot or convincing romantic direction? Not really. I liked it, I wanted to love it, but the weak direction held it back hard. Still, for sapphics who enjoy soft GLs and appreciate clear representation, it’s worth a watch—just keep your expectations pastel, not bold. 🎨✨

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