This review may contain spoilers
A Stylish but Hollow Ride
Jojo Tichakorn Phukhaotong's The Heart Killers had all the makings of a standout Thai BL drama: an intriguing premise, a strong leading pair in First Kanaphan and Khaotung Thanawat, and stylish production design. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the beloved teen film 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), the series promised a blend of action, comedy, and romance. Unfortunately, it falls short of its potential, bogged down by weak writing, inconsistent tone, and lackluster performances from some of its cast.
A Promising Setup
The story follows Kant Pattanawat (First Kanaphan), a tattoo artist and reluctant police informant, as he infiltrates the lives of two assassin brothers, Bison (Khaotung Thanawat) and Fadel (Joong Archen). The two operate a burger joint as their cover, but their bloody past and hidden motivations make them dangerous targets. Kant, in an effort to gain their trust, enlists his friend Style (Dunk Natachai) to get close to Fadel, setting off a complicated game of deception, attraction, and betrayal.
Where It Falls Apart
While the premise had potential, the execution leaves much to be desired. The biggest issue lies in the script—it’s riddled with plot holes and contrivances. The show struggles to balance its tone, oscillating between lighthearted romance and gritty crime drama without fully committing to either. One moment, the assassin duo are hardened killers, the next they’re bumbling through situations with the finesse of amateur criminals. The action sequences lack credibility, and the stakes feel low despite the supposedly dangerous world these characters inhabit.
Character development is another weak point. Bison and Fadel are meant to be formidable hitmen, but their actions often contradict this. Their backstory, which should add weight to their choices, is underdeveloped, making it difficult to invest in their emotional arcs. Kant and Style’s infiltration scheme is flimsy at best, making it hard to believe that experienced killers would fall for their tactics so easily.
Performance Woes
First and Khaotung carry the series with their undeniable chemistry and acting prowess. They bring depth to their roles, making their relationship one of the few redeeming aspects of the show. Parn Thanaporn, as Mother/Lilly, also delivers a strong performance, injecting some much-needed gravitas.
On the other hand, Dunk and Joong struggle to keep up. Dunk’s expressions and delivery often feel flat, as if he’s reading from a script rather than embodying his character. His lack of emotional range makes key moments fall flat. Joong shows effort but ultimately fails to bring the complexity that Fadel’s role demands. Their dynamic, which should be as compelling as the other pair, ends up feeling forced and lacking chemistry.
A Series Made for Fandom, Not Storytelling
It’s hard to shake the feeling that The Heart Killers was made more to capitalize on the popularity of its cast rather than to tell a solid story. The romance-heavy focus comes at the expense of a coherent plot. Scenes often feel strung together without logic or continuity, as if the director prioritized aesthetics over narrative flow.
Some sequences border on absurdity—how does Fadel manage to drag an unconscious man to a conveniently placed empty swimming pool with one hand? Why do the police fail to notice two people in giant teddy bear costumes? How does Kant, a supposed informant, wait until he’s fully tied up before deciding to escape? The lack of realism is frustrating and makes it hard to stay engaged.
Production and Cinematic Strengths
Despite its storytelling flaws, the show excels in visual presentation. The cinematography, set design, and coloring are top-notch, creating a stylish world that’s pleasing to the eye. The NC (non-consensual) scenes, while meant to be intense, become cringeworthy rather than impactful due to the lack of emotional weight behind them.
Final Verdict
As much as I wanted to love The Heart Killers, it ultimately left me disappointed. Fans of Joong and Dunk may enjoy it for the pairings alone, but for those looking for a well-written, gripping drama, this isn’t it. The lack of narrative depth, clunky execution, and weak performances from half the cast make it a forgettable addition to the Thai BL genre. If you’re after eye candy and don’t mind shutting off your brain, it might be a passable watch. Otherwise, I’d suggest spending your time on something with more substance.
A Promising Setup
The story follows Kant Pattanawat (First Kanaphan), a tattoo artist and reluctant police informant, as he infiltrates the lives of two assassin brothers, Bison (Khaotung Thanawat) and Fadel (Joong Archen). The two operate a burger joint as their cover, but their bloody past and hidden motivations make them dangerous targets. Kant, in an effort to gain their trust, enlists his friend Style (Dunk Natachai) to get close to Fadel, setting off a complicated game of deception, attraction, and betrayal.
Where It Falls Apart
While the premise had potential, the execution leaves much to be desired. The biggest issue lies in the script—it’s riddled with plot holes and contrivances. The show struggles to balance its tone, oscillating between lighthearted romance and gritty crime drama without fully committing to either. One moment, the assassin duo are hardened killers, the next they’re bumbling through situations with the finesse of amateur criminals. The action sequences lack credibility, and the stakes feel low despite the supposedly dangerous world these characters inhabit.
Character development is another weak point. Bison and Fadel are meant to be formidable hitmen, but their actions often contradict this. Their backstory, which should add weight to their choices, is underdeveloped, making it difficult to invest in their emotional arcs. Kant and Style’s infiltration scheme is flimsy at best, making it hard to believe that experienced killers would fall for their tactics so easily.
Performance Woes
First and Khaotung carry the series with their undeniable chemistry and acting prowess. They bring depth to their roles, making their relationship one of the few redeeming aspects of the show. Parn Thanaporn, as Mother/Lilly, also delivers a strong performance, injecting some much-needed gravitas.
On the other hand, Dunk and Joong struggle to keep up. Dunk’s expressions and delivery often feel flat, as if he’s reading from a script rather than embodying his character. His lack of emotional range makes key moments fall flat. Joong shows effort but ultimately fails to bring the complexity that Fadel’s role demands. Their dynamic, which should be as compelling as the other pair, ends up feeling forced and lacking chemistry.
A Series Made for Fandom, Not Storytelling
It’s hard to shake the feeling that The Heart Killers was made more to capitalize on the popularity of its cast rather than to tell a solid story. The romance-heavy focus comes at the expense of a coherent plot. Scenes often feel strung together without logic or continuity, as if the director prioritized aesthetics over narrative flow.
Some sequences border on absurdity—how does Fadel manage to drag an unconscious man to a conveniently placed empty swimming pool with one hand? Why do the police fail to notice two people in giant teddy bear costumes? How does Kant, a supposed informant, wait until he’s fully tied up before deciding to escape? The lack of realism is frustrating and makes it hard to stay engaged.
Production and Cinematic Strengths
Despite its storytelling flaws, the show excels in visual presentation. The cinematography, set design, and coloring are top-notch, creating a stylish world that’s pleasing to the eye. The NC (non-consensual) scenes, while meant to be intense, become cringeworthy rather than impactful due to the lack of emotional weight behind them.
Final Verdict
As much as I wanted to love The Heart Killers, it ultimately left me disappointed. Fans of Joong and Dunk may enjoy it for the pairings alone, but for those looking for a well-written, gripping drama, this isn’t it. The lack of narrative depth, clunky execution, and weak performances from half the cast make it a forgettable addition to the Thai BL genre. If you’re after eye candy and don’t mind shutting off your brain, it might be a passable watch. Otherwise, I’d suggest spending your time on something with more substance.
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