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...
Andrei has just broken up with his girlfriend is taking a trip an island. In the journey he meets Sam, who turns out also just broke up with his boyfriend. Surprisingly his ex-boyfriend also shows up at the island annoying Sam very much especially since he cheated on Sam multiple times and there is no way Sam will take him back. Sam and Andrei get rooms next to each other and strike a friendship. Turns out Andrei's girlfriend was trans and he considers himself bisexual but is not ready to come out. They both start hanging out as friends and at some point feelings start to develop. One night Sam confesses his love to Andrei but he is still confused about himself despite clearly having strong feelings for Sam, but he snubs him and the vacation is over. Flash forward one year later, Sam has flashbacks about how it was the wrong time then and he concludes by saying it's the right time now and the visuals are Sam & Andrei getting married. And it just ends. WTF!!!
Not that the series was any great shakes in the first place, but the ending just completely ruined it. To be fair, there were a handful of things that the show does well. Sam and Andrei both talk about gender identity, their sexuality and pronouns. After annoying Sam, his ex and he eventually get to talk it out like mature adults so that they can both move on. And of course the beach setting was nice. But besides that, there is nothing much to talk about. The story is simple, the pacing is slow an this love with a stranger on a holiday setting could have easily been shown in a 20 minute short film. Also there is not much explanation on why would Andrei not reciprocate feelings for Sam when he clearly loves him and he himself confesses that. The two guys are strictly ok in terms of both looks and acting chops. If you have already seen this one, fine, otherwise feel free to skip it. I mean, its not horrible but it gives you absolutely nothing new or anything at all for you to remember even just 10 minutes after you are done watching it. (2/10)
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