This review may contain spoilers
An interesting yet emotionally unbalanced attempt at "real-life" BL
The indie Filipino BL scene has graced us with some choice series, and "Stuck On You" is a rather middle tier choice from the batch. While it attempts to showcase a more "real life" or "believable" character-based story between the "heart-first" Reb (played by Iyo Canlas) and closed-off JM (played by Yves Flores), the delivery is juxtaposed by two main characters that struggle to break free from the confines of their archetypes and plot. Despite the fact that I rather like the atypical direction that was taken with the COVID/homebound drama series, it left me feeling confused with its little emotional payoff.A motif in the BL genre is "transgressing boundaries, "and it is often done as a means to further the plot or deepen/complicate character relations in sometimes not-so consensual ways. Putting it simply, "Stuck On You" took it and made it literally the plot and much of the character interactions. Given the context of the story, the character choices make sense in theory: they are emotionally and idealistically opposites in a less than ideal situation. However, on a fundamentally human level, this series was hard for me to watch. To make someone eat on the floor because you don't want them near you, or to lash out and degrade someone for using basic human essentials in a pandemic, to additionally witholding means of communication to the outside world to the point where one would be considered missing?? Perhaps this is purely because I lack an emotional degradation kink nor do I enjoy the rather icky attempt at "enemies to lovers(?)," but it just...wasn't cute? In other words, this show lacked the driving force of *kilig* I was hoping to receive from the studio that made a simple yet successful attempt of such with "Quaranthings," and it was not helped in any regard with the erratic pacing and clunky character moments.
That's not to say that clunky moments are not appealing in their own way (I like to think of Filipino BLs as strong examples of "clunky yet cute romance"), but I will say the moments of intimacy missed the mark. Nothing outright horrible, but rather a struggle to believe there is some, if any, chemistry between the characters. Is there love that looks like this? I'm sure this is, but I wouldn't call it "love" upon first glance (maybe "spiteful affection"?). Nevertheless, in the heart-wrenching sequence that is Beverly Cumla's show-stealing moment with Yves Flores in episode 7, I came to appreciate that this dramatic rollercoaster of a show through all its twists and turns.
Rant aside, I did enjoy the experience of watching it, and I would only rewatch it to attempt to sympathize with the characters more. Also, the opening is quite a banger and has been added to many of my playlists :) All in all, "Stuck on You" is not my first choice to recommend, but definitely I definitely encourage you to watch it if you're looking for something that is of a different flavor than you may be used to.
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Ya know!!!
I either hate or I love Pinoy BL's. This is the 1st one that I like a really really large amount. There are somethings to Love about this BL. Most of it comes from things the Danreb says. Then it turns around to things that JM says. Both from completely different view points and both in my opinion correct. On the down side there are a lot of lose ends that just fall of the plate or script so to speak. No spoilers but how JM wound up going from last relationship to a pick up site? Family, friends, and the house? Anyway, it was very enjoyable for the most part. The music, songs and singing was very good. Not sure if I want a season 2 that cements the idea that for me this was a very good BL series on the verge of greatness sometimes but just not great in totality. Again in my opinion.Was this review helpful to you?
Naturally perfect
Its truly amazing.A natural story, natural acting, and everything seemed perfect. I can't even get over with the actors.. great talent to convey things. They were like family. The best part is the dialogues that they said, all touched my heart, deep inside. This whole series was like a roller coaster ride. They taught us many things, to be happy, to fall in love and love can be simple and also it can make us happy in different ways. I was about to quit this drama in the 1st place.. but after completing 1st 2 episodes, i get attached to it. Because its amazing. Everything in this series is the one we want to hear or understand about love. It taught me a different perspective towards love
It will be a true loss if you didn't watch this.
No words.. it's more than what you imagine.
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Cute Reminder ...
This drama popped on my feed and I thought what the hell let me give it a try.Not so bad, obviously I am late watching this, as this came out around the time when lockdown was really on and the pandemic was in full swing.
For me personal this was a really a nice and gentle reminder of how far we have overcome since Covid, and what we may still be going through while finding a new normal to life.
The (lack of) chemistry between the two main characters was intriguing as was the premise of having a one-night stand that goes wrong in all kinds of ways. when you complete the whole series you get a better perspective and you can appreciate the whole story very clearly. Reb's flighty instability in the beginning was actually essential to providing room for him to grow and change. And because the plot is not rushed or superficial, it is believable, in the end, that two so dissimilar people might actually grow towards each other, and become capable of that kind of peaceful, accepting love.
There was some real and some positive vides that does make one grateful for the small things in life, the love aspect was a bit cheesy, but guess everyone views love in a different manner.
The ending for me was a bit of a cliff hanger, since after the 14 days one leaves with a friend request. I wonder if there is a season 2?
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