This review may contain spoilers
Not the greatest, but better than Cutie Pie the series
Okay. I knooow a lot of yall won't agree with this, but if you like Cutie Pie's story, then I kinda get why you won't like Bed Friend's more realistic plot. I mentioned Cutie Pie because they came from the same production and even in the same universe, I think? But they're like in the opposite ends of the spectrum for plots.
I'll start with the good elements:
1. Plot- Bed Friend touched on a very triggering, but very, (disappointingly and disgustingly) real issue of sexual abuse, pedophilia and r*pe. Bed Friend did a good job of how they were able to translate the trauma, the trauma responses, and the not openly talked about PTSD of victims of this abuse. PTSD is not just for war veterans; it happens to all victims of any trauma.
It's refreshing to see that instead of just focusing on the senseless steamy, NC scenes, ( I was honestly getting tired of the overly steamy NC scenes making it look like BL is just a collection of softprn for impressionable teen girls who's pining after a superstar) they used the s*x to explain why they are in a friend with benefits situation in the first place, used their multiple s*x scenes that lead them to catch feelings for each other, and also portray the changes and how comfortable Uea is becoming with King.
Since Uea is openly gay, and is even feminine representing, it's a breath of fresh air to see his portrayal that isn't as flamboyant as other feminine openly gay characters. Especially in an industry that uses gay characters as a comic relief. Uea was given a complicated, and dark history that thoroughly explains his character, and his attitude around people (how he doesn't open up to people) and his self-sabotaging decisions.
I've read a comment on YT that said that there were too many scenes of trauma that they think didn't need to be on there, but on the contrary, those scenes were very necessary. It just proves that a person who has not gone thru what you did, will never understand how you feel. Those memories of trauma were engraved in his brain, as much as affecting his everyday function because his traumas weren't addressed then, and worse, his family (except his sister) were one of the perpetrators. A person who has not gone thru this level of trauma can never begin to understand how and why, but Bed Friend was able to translate that on screen. And for that I commend them.
I'll mention an example that might help this point- Sky in Love in the Air, Daisy from SCOY- characters that only wanted to love and be loved but were let down and hasn't healed from it yet.
I know this plot isn't unique, but there aren't a lot of series that did a good representation of this like Bed Friend did.
2. Resolution- And even more, how they delivered the resolution. Making sure the perpetrators got what they deserved, and how Uea took time before becoming official with King. And I love how they did in the final scenes of the series. Uea needed that. I know it's a bare minimum to have a good resolution, but lately, we've been having shitty series enders and I'm just happy to get all the good endings I can.
3. Acting- Net's eyes are *chefs kiss*. This guy can act with his eyes, and I love that because they needed work on their communication so how else will King be able to portray his feelings for Uea? His fcking eyes.
And don't get me started on James. James's take on an openly gay feminine character was amazing. It was a perfect blend of a he knows he's sexy, but is silent, and reserve. He's obviously feminine, but he wasn't overly flamboyant. He was hurt and he had his walls up, but he was confident and knows how to set his boundaries. His complexity was palpable even though he didn't say much.
The supporting characters did okay. They were able to add value to the storytelling, and was helpful with the narration, but not the best. Which made it realistic because Uea is not the type to have a big support group because he wasn't easy to trust because of his family. And also, on King's side. I love his family. And they even made it obvious why King was so set on Uea. Uea was so much like his mother.
4. Pacing- If you don't have enough content for 12 episodes, make it shorter. Which they did. I love how they only had 10 episodes and spared the watchers of senseless fillers. But they were able to give the characters closure and reassurance.
Bad Elements:
1. Blocking- I have a little issue with the blocking. It's like the characters look out of place in a setting in times.
2. Editing- The editing is not the best either. It felt choppy, almost awkward.
There's actually not a lot I can think of. Well not enough to be memorable anyway. Although the series started a little rocky, and they were not able to fully explore on why Uea hated King's gut so much, except that he was a womanizer. Although it would make sense since it seems like Uea has always found King attractive. You'll never have strong emotions for people that don't matter to you. Period.
Overall, it was a good watch. It needs a clear PSA, just to warn viewers that it'll deal with traumas.
Okay, that about it. Peace!
I'll start with the good elements:
1. Plot- Bed Friend touched on a very triggering, but very, (disappointingly and disgustingly) real issue of sexual abuse, pedophilia and r*pe. Bed Friend did a good job of how they were able to translate the trauma, the trauma responses, and the not openly talked about PTSD of victims of this abuse. PTSD is not just for war veterans; it happens to all victims of any trauma.
It's refreshing to see that instead of just focusing on the senseless steamy, NC scenes, ( I was honestly getting tired of the overly steamy NC scenes making it look like BL is just a collection of softprn for impressionable teen girls who's pining after a superstar) they used the s*x to explain why they are in a friend with benefits situation in the first place, used their multiple s*x scenes that lead them to catch feelings for each other, and also portray the changes and how comfortable Uea is becoming with King.
Since Uea is openly gay, and is even feminine representing, it's a breath of fresh air to see his portrayal that isn't as flamboyant as other feminine openly gay characters. Especially in an industry that uses gay characters as a comic relief. Uea was given a complicated, and dark history that thoroughly explains his character, and his attitude around people (how he doesn't open up to people) and his self-sabotaging decisions.
I've read a comment on YT that said that there were too many scenes of trauma that they think didn't need to be on there, but on the contrary, those scenes were very necessary. It just proves that a person who has not gone thru what you did, will never understand how you feel. Those memories of trauma were engraved in his brain, as much as affecting his everyday function because his traumas weren't addressed then, and worse, his family (except his sister) were one of the perpetrators. A person who has not gone thru this level of trauma can never begin to understand how and why, but Bed Friend was able to translate that on screen. And for that I commend them.
I'll mention an example that might help this point- Sky in Love in the Air, Daisy from SCOY- characters that only wanted to love and be loved but were let down and hasn't healed from it yet.
I know this plot isn't unique, but there aren't a lot of series that did a good representation of this like Bed Friend did.
2. Resolution- And even more, how they delivered the resolution. Making sure the perpetrators got what they deserved, and how Uea took time before becoming official with King. And I love how they did in the final scenes of the series. Uea needed that. I know it's a bare minimum to have a good resolution, but lately, we've been having shitty series enders and I'm just happy to get all the good endings I can.
3. Acting- Net's eyes are *chefs kiss*. This guy can act with his eyes, and I love that because they needed work on their communication so how else will King be able to portray his feelings for Uea? His fcking eyes.
And don't get me started on James. James's take on an openly gay feminine character was amazing. It was a perfect blend of a he knows he's sexy, but is silent, and reserve. He's obviously feminine, but he wasn't overly flamboyant. He was hurt and he had his walls up, but he was confident and knows how to set his boundaries. His complexity was palpable even though he didn't say much.
The supporting characters did okay. They were able to add value to the storytelling, and was helpful with the narration, but not the best. Which made it realistic because Uea is not the type to have a big support group because he wasn't easy to trust because of his family. And also, on King's side. I love his family. And they even made it obvious why King was so set on Uea. Uea was so much like his mother.
4. Pacing- If you don't have enough content for 12 episodes, make it shorter. Which they did. I love how they only had 10 episodes and spared the watchers of senseless fillers. But they were able to give the characters closure and reassurance.
Bad Elements:
1. Blocking- I have a little issue with the blocking. It's like the characters look out of place in a setting in times.
2. Editing- The editing is not the best either. It felt choppy, almost awkward.
There's actually not a lot I can think of. Well not enough to be memorable anyway. Although the series started a little rocky, and they were not able to fully explore on why Uea hated King's gut so much, except that he was a womanizer. Although it would make sense since it seems like Uea has always found King attractive. You'll never have strong emotions for people that don't matter to you. Period.
Overall, it was a good watch. It needs a clear PSA, just to warn viewers that it'll deal with traumas.
Okay, that about it. Peace!
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