This show is in a unique boat for a couple of reasons. Possibly the most noteworthy reason is that I felt endeared by the characters regardless of the quality of each actor's performance. I managed to not recognize Phuwin until the end of the show, and when I realized he was the annoying kid from The Gifted: Graduation it made his performance in NLMG funnier. He has an animated way of speaking that's over-the-top for a more serious drama like this, but it adds dimension to a character that would otherwise be too boring if he was less dynamic. Nueng is a great character, and Phuwin was a great choice to play him. I'd never seen Pond act before, and my first impression is that he kind of sucks, but I can also give him the benefit of playing a character like Palm that doesn't require much effort. Compared to Phuwin, he seems more convincing on the surface, but his character makes him stand out less. He is, however, extremely and unwarrantedly good looking. Him and Phuwin are as perfect a visual match as one can hope for.
Chimon by default is a better actor than the two leads, and he plays a likeable character (unpopular opinion) which makes for an overall likeable performance. I won't flatter him though, everyone knows he's a decent actor already but he completely lacks any romantic potential. Luckily the character of Ben didn't really require it. Perth acts circles around anyone he shares a frame with, and putting him with the other most competent young actor in the show was a good choice. It's honestly a pleasure to see him.

As actors, the two leads aren't amazing. But together, they balance each other out in a way that showcases good chemistry. Phuwin might not be fully convincing in a serious role, but he carries a scene wonderfully when it's lighthearted and you need to smile. There are still gems in his more serious performances, like his facial expressions during their slow dance in episode 9, one of his best moments in the show. Pond's performance was almost completely one dimensional, but there was no question his character was in love. What he lacks in line delivery, he makes up for with his eyes. Any good director being keen to to this, Palm was a character of few words. Putting these actors' strengths together allows a viewer to cruise through scenes with differing moods without feeling awkward. The main couple's synergy is at its best in scenes like the ep. 8 beach scene where Nueng explains Plato's origin of love to Palm, a scene that is just genuinely so nice and cute and un-awkward that I thought "that was beautiful" after I watched it. I cringe at absolutely everything, but I hardly cringed a single time watching this show. That's a fucking miracle.

Ben and Chopper's scenes after the main couple's retreat honestly slot perfectly into the rest of the show. They aren't just a side couple off on their own mission, and they don't take anything away from the main couple. Credit can definitely be given to the superior talent of these supporting actors but I also found the story itself satisfying. It's a small redemption arc for both boys, and serves multiple purposes, of which my favorite is the simple yet effective showcase of character growth and the power of friendship.

I'm not joking when I say that the display of good communication, good morals, good friendship, and good actions are what make the show perfect for me. It is absolutely a fairytale, and that's obvious in every part of the show. Mafia vibes but set in high school? A fellow teenager as a bodyguard for your millionaire son? Fleeing to a picturesque beach? The show takes itself seriously, but it doesn't need to be taken suuuper seriously. NLMG is most obviously appealing to an audience of young adults and teenagers, and I think it's the right amount of seriousness for that audience. If your perspective is based on this being comparable to KinnPorsche, then you're already approaching NLMG from entirely the wrong angle. Lighten up and think of it as something sweet for the fucking kids. That's legitimately what it's supposed to be.

I've never seen characters in a show talk to each other and explain their feelings as clearly and directly as in this show. Whether it's stating a boundary, expressing emotions, asking for permission before kissing, etc. NLMG is a case study for good communication. I could pull quotes to use as examples but there's so many I wouldn't know which ones to choose. Not just counting the four boys, but the exploration of mother-son relationships made the show even stronger. The relationship between Nueng and his mother is absolutely comforting, and although Palm and his mother lack a relationship, she's still able to talk to him and express her situation in a way that provides some sort of peace between the two of them. Yes NLMG is completely idealistic and no one in real life communicates as smoothly and effectively as these characters do, but if depravity in fiction is green-lit then I see no reason why incorruptible characters should be a setback for shows like NLMG.

NLMG is also super low-stakes and low-stress. That's a buzzkill for a lot of people, and understandably so. But I'm serious when I say it works. I don't like romance and I like watching things that are scary or miserable or both. NLMG holds your hand the entire time you watch it, while showing you endearing moments between a young couple. It's actually insane that I loved this show so much, and that speaks to its comforting quality.

I have to also give flowers to the music in the show. It was corny and cheesy and it fit the show perfectly. You really have to appreciate the first kiss scene on the rooftop, classical music is just too good. It's crazy that scene was just minutes before the scene with Nueng and his mom where she expresses her support for him. I think I saw another comment about how the music is too cheerful in that scene, and honestly it does resemble Roblox obby music but I was too busy crying for it to affect me negatively!

I really loved this show which is why I give it a 10 overall. I'm always overjoyed when I come across a show that provides both comfort and good examples for its audience. Not suffering is really fun sometimes. NLMG is now officially one of my favorites.