Best Teen Drama I've seen in years
I never give 10/10s but this show 100% deserves it. I typically don't see this quality of acting, story, and production in Thai BLs that I've watched. This show in the way that it's filmed and set up it feels classic. The shots reminded me a lot of an post WWII Italian movie I watched in my film class. Which isn't super important to my review but I kept thinking about it so I had to share. Along with the classic feel it bring in elements of the modern world. I am obsessed with the way the editing was done. The aesthetics of this show and the clothing are literally to die for and so current with the times without feeling too out of place with the current time. I really loved the story I think the characters were written so well. They felt like people I know, and the way they deal with their emotions makes so much sense to me. While would I do the same? No. I understand at that age it's really hard to understand your full emotions especially when it comes to love. I've found alot of Thai BL dramas dramas don't hit the mark with me especially the jealousy trope they usually have. This show however the jealousy is more realistic and understandable. I loved loved loved the acting in this I thought it was so well done. The characters were so dynamic and the way that social media was portrayed was so realistic which I quite literally never see. The only thing that I don't use as much as they do is Instagram stories lol. Even though this show is more artsy and film like, it's not hard to follow in comparison to A24 films I've watched. I can't say enough how real this show felt. I think this will be hard to beat for other dramas this year. In honor of the gel boys I got my nails done while not as crazy still fun!Was this review helpful to you?
it could have been a 10, but it wasn't
You can tell this was made with Boss Kuno, the same director of ITSAY. It had that coming of age vibe and it SERVED looks, cinematography and aesthetics, really satisfying to watch. The first half was also really really good, but eventually it went downhill.PRODUCTION
Production-wise, it was AMAZING and so consistent. The aesthetics were there from start to finish. Their styles and outfits, the colors, the angles, the whole cinematography was incredible. I especially liked the way they showed social media and the zoom calls, it made me feel like I was part of the show, which made me even more engaged. A cool and beautiful production, we need more BLs like this.
MUSIC
I had the best time with the music fr. We were introduced to some artists during the show, and I might be biased because I listen to those artists too, but they were really good. The music was part of the story, so it's nice to see good artists and song choices. As an OST itself, I think the music was well paced, it was there when it was needed and it wasn't when it wasn't needed, it contributed to the emotional impact of the show in a good way. The only thing I didn't really like about the music was those nosy sounds that were there sometimes, the melody (?) I don't really know, but I understand it was part of/added to the vibe of the show, it's just not my cup of tea and I found it annoying.
STORY
For the first 2/3 episodes I was literally giggling and kicking my feet, they had so much chemistry, the way things were revealed (combined with the amazing production) was so interesting, I was sooo engaged.
All the characters were just teenagers with their own tastes and styles, and they dedicated an episode to each of them, which made the story even more interesting, we could see everyone's perspective and the reasons behind every action, the storytelling was going in a good direction, but then it went downhill.
Somewhere in the middle, the same things and situations just kept happening, it's like the characters were stuck and not growing, and I ended up feeling frustrated. It's not that the plot was bad, it's not unique or special, but it wasn't bad, it just fell apart. It became boring and uninteresting. I'm not complaining about the situation of the characters, because I know that was supposed to make the viewers feel frustrated (I'm trying my best not to give spoilers pls), but they gave too much "screen time" to the issue and then rushed the end, the way they handled the middle of the story negatively affected the end of the show, which is sad considering everything else was just so well done.
The 2nd couple shined in the last episodes, honestly at some point and 100% unexpected (I didn't expect them to be a couple, nor was I rooting for them), I was more interested in their story. The main couple was in the same situation like 95% of the show, when the 2nd couple potential came to the surface they just stole me, because of them the BL story got better, at least something was going on.
I didn't really like the finale to be honest, I don't think it made sense. This ending would have been better if they got together sooner, because I wasn't even rooting for the main couple anymore.
In conclusion, this BL had everything to be a 10/10 show, but unfortunately it wasn't because the story fell flat. I recommend it though, I just wish I liked it more. (If you want to compare: ITSAY was better)
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Realistic, creative, and poignant.
Damn. You can really tell the director knows what he is doing. The entire show from costumes to editing is perfectly stylized. Also everything is shot so artistically.The characters felt so realistic and this was further pushed with subtlety in the acting. Lines between friendship and love stay blurry witch lead to raw emotional turbulence, perfectly captured by this show's amazing cast.
Gel boys is a comedic and tragic look at the lives and loves of teens in this day and age. I have never seen characters on TV use their phones more than in this show. (If anything these characters were bigger phone addicts than the average teen.) But every time a character was on their phone it felt so natural and I loved the ongoing incorporation of text exchanges and social media use. Like this is how real teens are using their phones people! (Also blocking someone on Spotify was so real.)
Overall this show is a beautifully made look at modern teen culture including relevant topics such as idol worship, TikTok, Insta stalking, fashion, music, spending money on useless things, melodramatics, situationships, and most importantly nail polish.
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It is a raw portrayal of today’s youth, not only in Thailand, but worldwide.
Let me start with the MDL synopsis. It is absolutely inaccurate. It does not match the story at all and ends up distorting the first impression we have when starting the drama. The situation described as “eye-catching” for the series simply does not happen in any way.The cast distribution is also misleading. The four young actors are all part of the main cast, since the narrative distributes their screen time quite evenly. However, the first couple is New Chayapak Tunprayoon (Fou4Mod) and Pide Monthapoom Sumonvarangkul (Chian).
Having clarified this point, let us move on to the drama itself.
This is a youthful BL, with vibrant colors, pleasant music, and a gratifying portrayal of how Thai youth live. Of course, this does not apply to the majority, but it does reflect a part of Thai culture that is extremely satisfying to watch. I loved the gel nails and really enjoyed how much of the story is told through cell phones. It is a raw portrayal of today’s youth, not only in Thailand, but worldwide.
Recently, I mentioned in one of my analyses my difficulty with the Thai language, which makes it hard for me to follow their productions impartially. After that, I felt somewhat uncomfortable and decided to give Thai productions another chance. I have been trying to train my ear and to look at a culture I barely know with less critical eyes.
Indeed, we cannot analyze their productions using the same criteria applied to first-world countries. However, we can easily recognize the effort, talent, and dedication of a country that dares to innovate and seeks constant improvement. Thailand is one of them.
In this drama, we can feel that boldness: the joy in the music and dances, the pain of poor choices, unrequited love, the doubts involved in discovering one’s sexuality, and the gradual maturation of feelings embraced over time.
I really enjoyed the story and recommend it as a watch that should not be overlooked.
Congratulations to the producers.
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Teenage Angst, Drama, Obsession, Nail Painting and BlackPink
This seems to be the most quirky, feminized Thai gay love story that I enjoy. But despite some femme get-ups, the characters retain a certain masculine balance.
I binge-watched this while looking for a BL series to enjoy over a weekend. I tried to watch 2 episodes for a start, but I ended up liking it. So I finished the whole series until the ghostly hour.
It managed to convey different emotions from me. I hate some parts where Chian was leading Fou4mod and when Fou4mod got a girlfriend in an attempt to spite and forget Chian. I love and empathize Bua's character while I pity Baabin's obsession with Fou4mod. I gushed when Bua and Baabin got together eventually.
The series rightfully demonstrates how love can be toxic when you let obsession overrule your cognitive reasoning. This is particularly true among Gen Z youths, in an era when fashion, Kpop, rebel creativity and the need for individualism have been pushed as the standard to make this generation different from the previous generations.
The series showcases a daisy chain of love polygons, which is why I find it very quirky. But the story is too good and too unique for me to end up liking it.
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Promising Young Talents in Thai BL Drama About Love and Friendship
Gel Boys is a refreshing and engaging Thai BL series that beautifully explores themes of friendship, identity, young love, and self-discovery. Set in Bangkok, the story follows a group of boys as they navigate their personal growth, musical interests, and a passion for nail art. The show’s portrayal of young, hesitant love and the evolving dynamics of friendship feels authentic and grounded in reality, making it stand out from other BL dramas.The cast delivers strong performances, and while I wasn’t familiar with any of the actors beforehand, I was pleasantly surprised by their natural chemistry and emotional depth. The series stands out for its unique storyline, tackling issues like self-acceptance, societal expectations, and finding one’s true identity in a way that feels both heartfelt and relatable. It’s a rare treat in the BL genre, offering more than just romantic moments by diving into the characters' personal journeys. The plot moves at a good pace, keeping you invested in each boy’s story and their individual struggles. By the end, I found myself really looking forward to a potential sequel and excited to see where the careers of some of these talented actors go next.
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More like a doco than a series…
I give this kudos for showing a slice in time with a BL feel. The doco style Warholesque/Westwood/Banksy feel is refreshing.Some of the acting is very obvious eg over glancing at each other so we know that your glancing at each other, Acting and story is getting better. Supporting actors particularly are strong.
Leon and Pj save this BL for me. Especially Pj, what a slow burning, intense, obvious yet subtle portayal of Baabin, I see great things for him as an actor.
Lacked emotional depth. Excellent production quality.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Disastrous Tragedy
This show started off so well, then quickly went downhill. Everybody on this show loves playing with each others emotions, even with the viewers emotions. This show left me sick to my stomach. Chian deserves the worst. Fou is an idiot but somehow the one that was done the most dirty in the end. Baa was one of my favorite characters until he proved he was just like the rest of them. And Bua was alright, but him and Baa did NOT have to get together. They had me screaming at my screen. Fou and Baa at least needed some sort of closure, Baa literally left a BLACKPINK concert for him then all of a sudden is on love with Bua?? Btch please. Although the story did keep me entertained, the acting was very good, unique, and the ost was on point. But the writers need to go to hell bcuz wtf was this. Chian the VILLAIN of the show won, Fou is back in a toxic relationship with him for the millionth time, Baa and Bua will never work out, and now im pissed.Was this review helpful to you?
Gelboys: A Raw, Unfiltered Masterpiece That Hits Where It Hurts (and Heals)
It took me a while to finally press play on Gelboys, but when I did—boy, was I blown away.This Thai BL series isn’t your typical glossy, rom-com escapade. Gelboys is bold, gritty, and heartbreakingly authentic. It’s a mirror held up to the raw realities of growing up queer in Thailand, and for many, it will feel like a mirror held up to their own lives. Watching it reminded me vividly of my own coming-of-age—those first confusing, electrifying realizations of being attracted to the same sex. That kind of emotional echo? Rare, and incredibly powerful.
New Chayapak’s portrayal of Fou4Mod and Pj Mahidol’s take on Baabin are painfully real—stripped of artifice and delivered with striking vulnerability. Their dynamic is a true-to-life depiction of teenage queerness: messy, complicated, brave. And then there’s Leon Zech, whose internal monologue and expressive reaction shots as Bua pack a punch that lingers. His subtle delivery transforms even silence into a scream of emotion.
On the opposite end, Pide Monthapoom’s character, Chian, got under my skin in the best and worst ways—exactly what the role demanded. Even the supporting cast is on point, each character adding layers of realism and emotional weight that make Gelboys stand out in a sea of overproduced love stories.
From the cluttered rooms and streets to the beautifully unpolished look of the cinematography, everything feels... lived in. The production chose realism over perfection, and it pays off in full. The cinematography and color grading deviate from the bright, dreamy palettes typical of BLs, but here, that choice enhances the rawness of the storytelling and makes the entire viewing experience feel visceral.
The plot itself is deceptively simple—but the way it’s told? Absolutely nerve-wracking. Every twist, every silent glance, every emotional confrontation entangles you deeper. More than once, I found myself emotionally wrecked, aching for these characters. And let’s not forget the soundtrack—it’s perfectly curated to heighten every emotional beat, adding depth without overshadowing the performances.
The script is cleverly crafted, layered with subtext and sincerity. It’s rare to find a BL series that dares to be this emotionally honest, this unfiltered—and that’s exactly why Gelboys deserves the spotlight.
I’m already counting the days until season two drops. If this is the direction Thai BL is taking, we’re in for a renaissance.
Verdict: Gelboys is not just a series—it’s a feeling. One that stays with you, long after the credits roll.
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another masterpiece by my favorite director.
your high school heartbreak will be one of those memories you're never gonna forget for the rest of your life. it's the age of discovering more about yourself, immaturity is ripening, and mistakes are just around the corner of making decisions. you are yet to know your strengths and weaknesses, thus you are bound to make mistakes, hurt people, and hurt yourself.gelboys is a realistic depiction of how futile yet vital emotion-driven decisions are to adolescents who are discovering more about the world, the people around them, themselves, and the cruelty of romance.
and what i love the most about this series is how raw and blatant the illustration have been. how every prolonged no-dialogue scenes give you a moment to digest their emotions and think about it. how inclusive and embarrassingly realistic it is for the young ones in this generation, including myself.
yes, it's messy and a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but i guarantee you, you'd love all the four gelboys even after it all. they're lovely, and they deserve the world. heavy kudos to the talented boys who played their role amazingly.
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oh to be young, stupid and in love
First I want to say that this was a wonderful series. I lately have had a fallen out of love with thai Bls but this series bought me back. I like the plot. Simple enough but also very complicated. I love how they incorporated latest trends in this series like reels, tiktok, random dances etc etc. Cuz it is a show about teenagers. I liked the characters so much, especially Fou4mod. These characters were all so messy and complicated but thats just the life of a teenager. I like the chemistry that they had with each other although I wasn't really digging Baa and Bua as much as everyone did but I still found them cute. The chemistry between Fou4mod and Cian was done very well. Even though they were both so messy, you can't help but cheer for them. Now the acting also was very good. I loved the sexsual tension they had on. It is definitely better than actually sex. This is the reason I think I come to like this series more. Thai Bls nowadays are always more about sex and less about tension. That I got bored of , it. So in conclusion, this was a really good series.Was this review helpful to you?
