1
This review may contain spoilers
my first GL had to be this?
ClaireBell raises the bar for sapphic storytelling. As the first GL series I've ever seen, it profoundly challenged me, making me wonder as a writer, “Can I ever write something this good?”
With everything - from the story to the directing, acting, cinematography, soundtrack, production, character arcs - in place, this is a masterpiece in execution.
The series never loses focus on Claire and Bell, yet expertly gives others screentime, with every subplot tying back to them. I loved how they didn't wrap up Top's (the hawttt Pond Ponlawit) story without showing drug-addled flashbacks to his origins; making his final, pathetic call to his father heartbreakingly logical.
The acting and casting are phenomenal. Mangpor (Tontoei Jidapa), Dao (Noon Siraphan), and Mint (Mai Divaka) form the top trinity of outstanding performances. And, if they are the trinity, Madam Taew Usha as Pon is the charismatic deity whose presence left an indelible mark.
Speaking of which, characters in the series bleed so easily and too much.
Natty (Attar Natcha) was pure and cute, though the cliche of her rape recording stopping on its own is an overdone one. Barbell Jirakit (Porsches) occasionally let me down but redeemed himself with his phlegmatic facial expressions, while Angie Pantira (Deedee) shows great potential - although villainy didn't completely suit her here. I could say the same & opposite about Belle Kamisara (Kae). Great potential + a fitting villain arc.
Let's talk about Kae. From calling Claire a “rabid dog” to becoming a “toothless dog,” her pathetic downfall was a cringe-worthy delight. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes! But, while I didn't feel an ounce of pity for her, it doesn't sit right to me that her backstory was left open. She was involved in [redacted spoiler], but what really happened? And why could she threaten her fellow conspirators but do nothing?
Some things are best left unanswered, I suppose. The same goes for practicalities like Dao raising a child in jail or how many years Deedee had left to be a good girl and be released to go official with her new crush. Well, the series is not reality! 😂
But, oh, the scenes! Claire beating Kae up after being dared to, and Bell's iconic moment of eating instant noodles while her ex's house burned in the background behind her. My phee has said Pangjie Paphavarin “can't act weak” but works very well as the rebellious type; I can totally see her and Mable Siriwalee (Claire) as villains elsewhere.
ClaireBell has one of the best soundtracks for any Thai queer series ever. The speechless, humming opening theme is gorgeous, and I'm A Feeder by Yellow Fang was the perfect choice for ClaireBell going official. The scene where Dao and Wichai danced to a Danupol Kaewkarn classic made me genuinely love a straight couple for the first time in ages; it felt more real than any celebrity romance.
Overall, a definitive 9.5/10. I know all too well that it deserves a perfect score, but the unanswered logistical questions hold it back just a sliver. This series is a triumph of directing, cinematography, and raw emotional power.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go replay that open-shirt scene. 👋🏼❤️🔥
With everything - from the story to the directing, acting, cinematography, soundtrack, production, character arcs - in place, this is a masterpiece in execution.
The series never loses focus on Claire and Bell, yet expertly gives others screentime, with every subplot tying back to them. I loved how they didn't wrap up Top's (the hawttt Pond Ponlawit) story without showing drug-addled flashbacks to his origins; making his final, pathetic call to his father heartbreakingly logical.
The acting and casting are phenomenal. Mangpor (Tontoei Jidapa), Dao (Noon Siraphan), and Mint (Mai Divaka) form the top trinity of outstanding performances. And, if they are the trinity, Madam Taew Usha as Pon is the charismatic deity whose presence left an indelible mark.
Speaking of which, characters in the series bleed so easily and too much.
Natty (Attar Natcha) was pure and cute, though the cliche of her rape recording stopping on its own is an overdone one. Barbell Jirakit (Porsches) occasionally let me down but redeemed himself with his phlegmatic facial expressions, while Angie Pantira (Deedee) shows great potential - although villainy didn't completely suit her here. I could say the same & opposite about Belle Kamisara (Kae). Great potential + a fitting villain arc.
Let's talk about Kae. From calling Claire a “rabid dog” to becoming a “toothless dog,” her pathetic downfall was a cringe-worthy delight. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes! But, while I didn't feel an ounce of pity for her, it doesn't sit right to me that her backstory was left open. She was involved in [redacted spoiler], but what really happened? And why could she threaten her fellow conspirators but do nothing?
Some things are best left unanswered, I suppose. The same goes for practicalities like Dao raising a child in jail or how many years Deedee had left to be a good girl and be released to go official with her new crush. Well, the series is not reality! 😂
But, oh, the scenes! Claire beating Kae up after being dared to, and Bell's iconic moment of eating instant noodles while her ex's house burned in the background behind her. My phee has said Pangjie Paphavarin “can't act weak” but works very well as the rebellious type; I can totally see her and Mable Siriwalee (Claire) as villains elsewhere.
ClaireBell has one of the best soundtracks for any Thai queer series ever. The speechless, humming opening theme is gorgeous, and I'm A Feeder by Yellow Fang was the perfect choice for ClaireBell going official. The scene where Dao and Wichai danced to a Danupol Kaewkarn classic made me genuinely love a straight couple for the first time in ages; it felt more real than any celebrity romance.
Overall, a definitive 9.5/10. I know all too well that it deserves a perfect score, but the unanswered logistical questions hold it back just a sliver. This series is a triumph of directing, cinematography, and raw emotional power.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go replay that open-shirt scene. 👋🏼❤️🔥
Was this review helpful to you?
