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Nevertheless, korean drama review
Completed
Nevertheless,
2 people found this review helpful
by Kes
Mar 30, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 8.0
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

'Nevertheless' review: FUBU and red flags but make it aesthetic and artsy

This was an almost realistic portrayal of how red flag gaslights and manipulates us. Except the writers decided to write episode 10 and flip the whole thing.

Nevertheless revolves around the no-label and f*ck buddy relationship of Nabi and Jae Eon. For starters, Nabi is fresh off a break-up from her toxic and manipulative boyfriend.

So is Jae Eon different and better than his ex? No. They are practically the same except Jae Eon is younger, so handsome that his face and body should be displayed in a museum, and tries to make it seem like he's asking for her consent when he's not. He persists until she gives in.

Before I list down the million reasons why Park Jae Eon is a dangerous predator trying to disguise himself as a gentle and innocent lamb, let me point out some things I did like in this show. The every day montage of Nabi and Jae Eon sleeping will go down in history as one of the best cinematic experience in kdrama. Nevertheless' cinematography and soundtrack ate and left no crumbs.

Nabi's actions may seem foolish and delusional but it's the reality of our feelings. Feelings waver most of the times and are incoherent. We always get our hope up over simple actions of people we like.

Han So Hee realistically portrayed the roller coaster of emotions when we fall for the wrong guy. The cycle of emotional manipulation is very vicious and at one point Nabi even questioned her own values and worth. She thinks Potato Boy doesn't deserve someone like her.

The first thing you will notice about Jae Eon is his gaze. It's very hypnotizing. It's like he's inviting you to go with him in the shadows. I hate to admit it but I can't take my eyes off him once he comes into my sight. That's how powerful he is.

Whenever he and Nabi fight, he always tries to act cool and calm. He twists Nabi's words so that at the end he gets the upper hand and gets what he want from her.

Jae Eon's gaslighting skills never cease to amaze me. In one episode, Jae eon said he always keeps his guard up because he doesn't want to hurt other people's feelings. That's really ironic since manipulating and messing other people's feelings and minds is what he does on his every affair.

He knew Nabi was broken inside the moment he saw her in the exhibit. But he still went after her just for fun and fling. He's so psycho. I'm aware that FUBU and FWB exist and are acceptable for others but is distorting the truth part of such relationships? He should have been clear from the get-go that he only wants sexual relationship and nothing more.

The episodes about Jae Eon's inner thoughts are so contradicting. It tries to paint him as a broken guy who just needs love and affection. Redeeming his character is the most unrealistic thing in this show. He is literally the ultimate manipulative sad boy.

Jae Eon towards the end of the show is literally the behavior of a gaslighter who is mad over losing his control and power over his victim. He can't believe he lost his own game and to get back at Nabi, he fakes his sincerity just to win her over again.

People rooting for him may have distorted perceptions of reality. I cant blame them since Jae Eon playing the victim looks so bewitching. This is the very reason why Na bi feels confused, anxious, and unable to trust herself.

I believe Nabi's feelings left for Jae Eon is withdrawal symptoms. It's her brain missing the thrill and danger of treading on egg shells. She's missing Jae Eon's mysterious facade and unpredictable behavior. She's missing not knowing what comes next because she's always anxious and confused and horny.

Nabi taking a chance again with Jae Eon even though she knows he will cause her pain is just so masochist of her. Until the very end, we got nothing from Jae Eon. Still can't believe Nabi did all the talking in Episode 10. It's Jae eEon who should have expressed his thoughts and feelings. Just because a jerk cries in front of you doesn't mean all of his wrongdoings will be gone in a blink of an eye.

Putting aside the criticisms for this kdrama, I genuinely think Song Kang totally nailed his role as a red flag who constantly has you wrapped around his finger. Who would not fall for that kind of face anyway? Who can even refuse him?

The mind games he play with Nabi was seriously unsettling and made me queasy yet addicting. He's like a drug you can't resist or can't say no to. You know he's bad for your health but you do it blindly.

I just wished they didn't write Episode 10 the way they did. Nevertheless could have been an impactful and realistic portrayal of a push and pull relationship. It could have educated its viewers about how damaging having a manipulative and gaslighting partner. It's such a let down how they wasted this opportunity.
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