Mature BL Recs

Gritty action drama mixed with enemies to lovers. Charn has gotta be one of my favourite BL characters ever - he's unapologetically flawed by being openly morally ambiguous and materialistic yet he's so confident in himself and his sexuality which is such a breath of fresh air in BL. Tin is a vengeful, formidable fighter but also such a gentle sweetheart who'd do anything for the people he loves. It's just nice to see such good character depth in a series that's so short. Jam and Film have such amazing chemistry and I really, really want them to get another series together!

Oh, and did I mention there's also a lesbian couple in this series? And their characters are actually important and drive the story forwards! And they're amazing, supportive friends to Charn and Tin! My fellow WLW, we won. I only wish they had more screen time together.

Story - 9/10
Acting - 9.5/10
Music - 8/10
Cinematography - 8/10
Rewatch Value - 8/10

CW: Death of a child (main plot point), murder, blood & violence, manipulation, on-screen animal death, brief references to suicide and sexual assault.

A dark mystery drama mixed with an electric romance. It's a MaxTul series, so you already know it's good. The romance was the most engaging part for me, but the story was interesting too. The writing is questionable at times, but it's not too bad and I can overlook characters behaving idiotically for the sake of the plot. Tan and Bun deserved another series!!!

Story - 8/10
Acting - 10/10
Music - 8/10
Cinematography - 7/10
Rewatch Value - 9/10

CW: References to suicide, blood & violence, manipulation, drug use, child abuse, sexual abuse.

Twin identity swap mystery drama mixed with sort of enemies but not really to lovers. I love everything about this and I can't get over it. Once you watch Not Me, everything else will seem dull in comparison. The plot tackles social issues like discrimination, marriage inequality, ableism, homophobia, and political corruption but it doesn't come across as preachy. The characters are all fleshed out and they make you want to fight with them. Everything about Not Me is stunning and I will forever be mad at GMMTV for not giving it the promotion it deserves.

Story - 10/10
Acting - 10/10
Music - 10/10
Cinematography - 10/10
Rewatch Value - 10/10

CW: Blood & violence, manipulation, institutional corruption.

A story about toxic people and their relationships with each other. No one is innocent here. Everyone is a walking red flag. Everyone gets backstabbed. It starts off so strong but falls apart a bit towards the end of the series (which, unfortunately, I've found is quite typical of Jojo's projects). Still worth the watch, despite the disappointingly safe rabid-shipper-pleasing unadventurous kinda dull ending.

Story - 7/10
Acting - 8/10
Music - 8/10
Cinematography - 9/10
Rewatch Value - 6.5/10

CW: Infidelity, drug & alcohol abuse, manipulation, references to suicide.

A psychological, smutty drama about a toxic relationship. It's so ugly that it becomes beautiful. I've rewatched Pornographer/The Novelist countless times because I'm yet to see another series that can replicate its intensity. I personally don't like the sequels because they try to turn it into a fluffy happily-ever-after-together-forever romance when it really should've ended just as awfully as it began. Forever salty about that decision.

Story - 9/10
Acting - 10/10
Music - 10/10
Cinematography - 10/10
Rewatch Value - 10/10

CW: Manipulation, large age gap (19 and 30-something), unhealthy relationships.

Medical mystery drama mixed with a time-loop romance. It's been over a year since I watched this but I remember being incredibly engaged until nearer the end of the series when I felt things got a tad too repetitive. It handles the topics it tackles well. I'd have to rewatch to give a proper review.

Story - 8/10
Acting - 9/10
Music - i honestly can't remember but i guess it was there
Cinematography - 8/10
Rewatch Value - 7.5/10

CW: Blood & violence, murder, mental health issues, references to suicide, infidelity, medical malpractice.