Is this technically a gay show? Even after getting through the whole thing, that's still kind of tricky to answer. There's never any physical intimacy shown between the two leads, not even a single kiss. What it gives you instead is something that goes way deeper than that. It traces an emotional bond that spans a full decade between two guys who are both dealing with their own baggage, and what they share basically amounts to being soulmates. The story moves across Japan, South Korea, and Berlin. Honestly, whether people want to call what they have a romantic relationship or not doesn't really matter to me. A relationship doesn't need a label like boyfriends attached to it to actually mean something. And closeness doesn't need to be physical to feel genuine. What this show captures is something quieter but way more powerful, a bond rooted in understanding, respect, and just showing up for each other. Across eight episodes, each running 35 to 45 minutes, this is one...
X and Andrew are now no longer a couple. So X decided to get back into the escorting business after more than 10 years, but he’s in for a rude awakening. He’s no longer the flavor of the month, and the entire industry has been transformed by changing attitudes, online platforms, gen Z thinks. We meet a young Twink Chayce, who surprisingly became friends with X at one of the tricks house and who takes on upon himself to guide X back into the business. As X keeps his aging body fit, and his unusual roster of kinky clients happy, he’s also dealing with the realities of still living with Andrew, who’s aiming to move on from their former romantic entanglements. The film (combined version of the series, which is what I saw), shows us Chayce guiding X through today's gay world, while also dealing with the realities of still living with Andrew, who’s aiming to move on from their former romantic entanglements.
I actually thought the series/film was done surprisingly well. Sure, the central conflict is of an aging escort and how to stay relevant in the business, it's the sass that Chayce brings which is a game changer. His words sound harsh, but they are so true and applicable for today's world. With reservations, X deals with his guidance (also known as pimp), but sees the benefits of it. He guides him through pearls of social media, branding yourself and making an effort. So these scenes are fin to watch. But what is different and nice here is that with every client that X meets, the makers have tried to deal with various themes including race, age-gap issues, safe sex, bisexuality, gay nerds and social media. The actor playing X continues with the character as grumpy, confused, and with frustratingly deadpan looks; which actually works for the character. On e a flip side, the paper-thin arc of his romance with Andrew is just touched upon. I guess the idea was to not focus on it but rather explore what happens when escorts start aging. It may not be the best thing out there, but with its slightly campiness yet honesty, a great character of Chayce and some well meaning socially relevant topics it tries to address, it is still worth giving a shot. (6/10)
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