Worthy Drama - A Deep Dive into Love, Pain, and Complexity
I wrapped up You and Everything Else last week, and it’s still lingering in my mind. The themes are deep and stick with you long after you’ve finished watching. This is definitely one of those slow-burn melodramas that makes you think, and even though it moves at a slower pace, every single scene, subplot, and supporting character matters. They all come together to add layers to the story, especially when it comes to fleshing out the two leads.
The relationship between Ryu Eun-jung and Cheon Sang-yeon is complicated—love, resentment, reconciliation, redemption... something beyond just friendship. It’s tough to pin down exactly what they have, but that’s what makes it so compelling. Both actresses give such raw, nuanced performances that you really feel what these characters are going through—whether it’s love or pain or just the weight of everything they’re carrying. It’s not just a drama at that point, it’s like you’re living their story with them.
This story is written from Ryu Eun-jung's POV. As for Sang-yeon, I never really hated her. I couldn’t. You can’t help but feel for her ill fate of having all of k-trauma's misfortunes. Her desperate need for love and security, born from a troubled childhood, shapes her in ways that make her actions understandable, even if they’re flawed. While watching, I found myself wanting to jump into the scene, give young Sang-yeon a comforting pat, and tell her she’s doing great and to keep going. On the other hand, Eun-jung has the kind of support system that makes her feel grounded. Her mom is her rock, and that gives her a sense of stability that Sang-yeon never had. Watching their lives play out in parallel is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Sang-yeon's brother’s abrupt departure, leaving without a word (instead, he left the camera and film to Eun-jung), haunted her, fueling her guilt and resentment. On top of that, Eun-jung’s decision to ignore Sang-yeon’s SOS call while Sang-yeon facing her mother’s impending passing marks another crucial turning point, triggering Sang-yeon’s subsequent, irrational behavior toward the one person she loves and envies.
I don't agree with some people who think Eun-jung should have completely cut off Sang-yeon after her final request. Instead, I believe their eventual reconciliation, along with the proper closure and farewell, was crucial for Eun-jung. Accompanying Sang-yeon on her final journey allowed Eun-jung to express her love for her honestly, let go of her resentment, and move forward without regret for the rest of her life.
Honestly, I’d rank You and Everything Else as the best Netflix series I’ve seen this year. It’s up there with some of the best dramas I’ve watched, period. The way it explores love, pain, and the complexities of human relationships is so well done—it’s the kind of show that stays with you long after it’s over.
The relationship between Ryu Eun-jung and Cheon Sang-yeon is complicated—love, resentment, reconciliation, redemption... something beyond just friendship. It’s tough to pin down exactly what they have, but that’s what makes it so compelling. Both actresses give such raw, nuanced performances that you really feel what these characters are going through—whether it’s love or pain or just the weight of everything they’re carrying. It’s not just a drama at that point, it’s like you’re living their story with them.
This story is written from Ryu Eun-jung's POV. As for Sang-yeon, I never really hated her. I couldn’t. You can’t help but feel for her ill fate of having all of k-trauma's misfortunes. Her desperate need for love and security, born from a troubled childhood, shapes her in ways that make her actions understandable, even if they’re flawed. While watching, I found myself wanting to jump into the scene, give young Sang-yeon a comforting pat, and tell her she’s doing great and to keep going. On the other hand, Eun-jung has the kind of support system that makes her feel grounded. Her mom is her rock, and that gives her a sense of stability that Sang-yeon never had. Watching their lives play out in parallel is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Sang-yeon's brother’s abrupt departure, leaving without a word (instead, he left the camera and film to Eun-jung), haunted her, fueling her guilt and resentment. On top of that, Eun-jung’s decision to ignore Sang-yeon’s SOS call while Sang-yeon facing her mother’s impending passing marks another crucial turning point, triggering Sang-yeon’s subsequent, irrational behavior toward the one person she loves and envies.
I don't agree with some people who think Eun-jung should have completely cut off Sang-yeon after her final request. Instead, I believe their eventual reconciliation, along with the proper closure and farewell, was crucial for Eun-jung. Accompanying Sang-yeon on her final journey allowed Eun-jung to express her love for her honestly, let go of her resentment, and move forward without regret for the rest of her life.
Honestly, I’d rank You and Everything Else as the best Netflix series I’ve seen this year. It’s up there with some of the best dramas I’ve watched, period. The way it explores love, pain, and the complexities of human relationships is so well done—it’s the kind of show that stays with you long after it’s over.
Was this review helpful to you?
