chiha

Before I say anything about the storyline, i must applaud the actors. It takes exceptional skill to carry a show like this and this relies not only on the main actors but also on the side characters. It is a responsibility shared by the creators who push actors pass their threshold. Every person be it the "Three D's", the malicious Kae, the rich boyfriend, the lecherous warden and his righteous son–all held their own onscreen. Mable and Pangjie as the titular sapphics of "Clairebell", were just perfectly cast—Pangjie perfectly portrayed Bell, with her soft but steely strength. And Mable, darling, so very unhinged I loved her as Claire. Of my favourite scenes is Davika, who is not only one of the creators but also plays as the teacher's sister, going through the phone. The play of emotions on her face from the painful joy, to the first jolt of revelation, then shocked curiosity proceeding to understanding, anger and indignation—superb.

Moving to the basic premise of the show, it follows Bell in prison after a wrongful conviction of possessing drugs. Prison is a whole new world in which she finds protection, and eventually, solace in another prisoner Claire. Imprisoned for murder, she widely goes by "Rabid dog", and she does justice to that name. Very like our canine protectors, she's fiercely protective but melts in the arms of Bell. The progression of their romance is a gift to watch–from slow trust to absolute surrender.

Beware that this show is by no means a light-hearted one, there's on-screen violence and blood with incorporation of topics like medical negligence, violent conflict, unchecked corruption and denial of basic rights to inmates–but a cleaner more palatable version of it. 95% of the show is set in a prison, where even the roses do not bloom, and this is possibly why the inmates from tightly knit groups. Love blooms in the darkest of times, and this is the central theme of the show–the love of a sister, a mother for a child, love that is fierce and strong and love that delivers justice, even at the cost of our own self. And in the darkest of times, the show is testimony to how a little bit of kindness can go a long way. There are no redemption arcs here, but it is humane in it's portrayal of such frayed individuals.

The production values are unlike any in a thai show, let alone lgbt shows. Easily matches that of Korean and western thrillers. It's much more important to produce short, well-made series than a 16 episode show. There's also a great score which carries us through the highs and lows. A 10/10, and may this herald even more sapphic shows in thriller setups 🥂!