I have no idea how to structure this review so I'll start by saying I'm baffled by the amount of negative reviews. Did we watch a different show, are our standards that different or do we just look for different things in BLs?
If you want a fast paced action, drama, plot twists and high stakes, this isn't for you. However, if you want a down to earth, natural slow burn with great chemistry - look no further.
During the first episode, having read the reviews, I was conflicted and tried to nitpick flaws in acting etc, but by episode 3 I was so immersed I forgot why I had these issues in the first place. Maybe the acting was a bit awkward at the beginning, but by the end it's so good you forget about it.
The tone and cinematography felt more like a Taiwanese or Korean BL if they had longer runtimes. The only Thai BLs it reminded me of were Nitiman (realistic characterisation and progression, slow and down to earth plotlines, good communication) and the first half of Bite Me, before it tried to pull a dramatic angsty twist (the warmth, the slow burn). Out of these three however, Love Area is the most succesful.
The story and characters felt very natural, simple but logical and well thought out. I always enjoy when a character doesn't say the obvious thing in a dialogue but something slightly next to it, tinted with their character traits and way of communicating - this drama was full of it.
The chemistry was also amazing, all of it culminating in that last scene which not only left me wanting to immidiately watch part 2, but also made me feel like I was watching something very emotionally and physically intimate, even though all they were doing was laying down on the sand as waves washed over them. That scene alone upgraded my score to a 9.5 and made me realise how masterfully done this romance is.
Can't wait to watch part 2, I sincerely hope the love eminating in part 1 carries over and makes me fall in love even more.