“Smiling again” is not enough to overcome depression
Ryeoun once again tackled a challenging role by depicting the pains of mental health. The found family dynamics in this show kept me coming back for each episode cause I’m an absolute sucker for that stuff. But despite the elements of healing and overcoming challenges, Namib leaves viewers with a few questions. One in particular still looms overhead:
Why oh why, would a boy with severe depression and struggles with self-harm, go into the celebrity biz?
Though Namib highlights the negative effects of stardom and challenges of mental health, it fails to face them head on. Instead, the show illustrates how good friends and a positive outlook on life will help get you through.
No.
If a story wants me to take mental health seriously, THE STORY needs to take it seriously.
Overall I enjoyed Namib and its story and characters, but there are multiple elements it didn’t quite flesh out and the ending left me feeling dissatisfied. The set up for the characters was great, but there were several plot points that didn’t make sense for the characters. This is especially true for Kang Seo Hyeon who frequently contradicted her own character—she was honestly a bit of an extraneous variable for the story.
I wouldn’t say Namib ended too quickly, but rather that it bit off a little more than it could chew. As someone who struggles with depression, it’s always off-putting when stories suddenly “resolve” it. Ryeoun does a fantastic job, however, in his performance. If you’re a fan of his, you will likely find this drama worth it!
Why oh why, would a boy with severe depression and struggles with self-harm, go into the celebrity biz?
Though Namib highlights the negative effects of stardom and challenges of mental health, it fails to face them head on. Instead, the show illustrates how good friends and a positive outlook on life will help get you through.
No.
If a story wants me to take mental health seriously, THE STORY needs to take it seriously.
Overall I enjoyed Namib and its story and characters, but there are multiple elements it didn’t quite flesh out and the ending left me feeling dissatisfied. The set up for the characters was great, but there were several plot points that didn’t make sense for the characters. This is especially true for Kang Seo Hyeon who frequently contradicted her own character—she was honestly a bit of an extraneous variable for the story.
I wouldn’t say Namib ended too quickly, but rather that it bit off a little more than it could chew. As someone who struggles with depression, it’s always off-putting when stories suddenly “resolve” it. Ryeoun does a fantastic job, however, in his performance. If you’re a fan of his, you will likely find this drama worth it!
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