Discusses social issues while having a fun story and great characters
I was so very surprised by how good this drama was. The writing was incredible, and all of the characters felt so genuine. The story progressed smoothly and kept me waiting for the next episode each week. It discussed a wide range of topics, but it didn't feel overdone or like it was trying to do too much. I think they made Alex a great ally character in that he was very openminded, but he sometimes overdid it on what he was or how quick he steps up--not that this is a bad thing, but it felt very accurate.Was this review helpful to you?
A True Thriller
Mystique in the Mirror is intense, gripping, and expertly written. The story does an excellent job of dragging you wherever it wants, weaving between confusion and fear, bobbing between the intense highs and the uneasy lows. I watched this incredible work of art without watching a trailer or reading the synopsis--I wasn't even sure that it'd be BL! I highly recommend watching it this way: Because I didn't know anything about the show before watching it (including what type of horror it was--paranormal, psychological, etc), I had so many theories in the first few episodes. All of them turned out to be wrong, but half of them had a hint of truth. I have the feeling I got exactly as close as the writers wanted me to be. The endless questions are an essential part of the experience: this is how the writers enable you to truly understand Alan's world. They give you just enough information to know that things are wrong, but not nearly enough to actually figure it out. I normally find series predictable, but I could never guess what would happen next, much less the ending.Your questions will be answered, but you have to be patient. I wish I could tell you what emotion I felt at the end of the show, but let's just say my heart is still pounding as I write this, an hour later. The series is an emotional rollercoaster, building enough suspense and fear to have you on the edge of your seat, questioning reality, then make your heart race as you plummet with the breakdowns and action. The first few episodes have a lot of building, but they are important and really set the tone of the show. In the beginning, it felt like it was taking too long to get any answers, but after finishing the show, I think the pacing is perfect. If the series was any shorter, the ending wouldn't have been as impactful. Now knowing the ending, I want to immediately rewatch. I wonder how much more I will pick up on now that I know what the destination is, and I know you will feel the same way.
I've spoken a lot about the plot and writing, so I'll add a bit on the acting. Tou is phenomenal as Alan; you can see every emotion, every question on Alan's face as he navigates his turbulent and impossible-to-understand life. You feel the fear and the frenzy right along with him. Everyone else is also great in their roles, I really enjoyed Tenon as Pete ( I'm really hoping to see more of him soon) and Rudklao as Si.
My only notes are these:
1. This is a Thai production, and it has the typical Thai style--occasionally abrupt tonal changes between scenes and heavy reliance on music even in casual conversation scenes. With the genre of the show, I was expecting less of the lighthearted/silly music to be used, but the usage was pretty similar to other Thai BLs I've seen. In this instance, I think it took away from the story, but on the other hand, it gave a comforting and familiar reprieve from the intensity of the rest of the show. It's a matter of personal preference.
2. Some of the support character interactions felt forced, with two of the relationships (friends, lovers, family, etc) feeling very rushed. I won't say much more on that for reasons you'll have to find out.
3. Dr. O rubbed me the wrong way, but I'm not sure if it's a writing issue or an acting issue. Maybe I will rewatch and update with what I decide.
Overall, it is an excellent watch and well worth your time--I am so glad I used my time for it.
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