The Effect (Thai Series)

The way this series started, I thought 'The Effect 'was your typical BL story until the shocking twist derailed all my expectations. The show gets uncomfortable to watch but it does address a very important issue and trait that was so far being almost taken for granted. I appreciate the fact that makers kept the screenplay tight with only 3 episodes of about 50-60 minutes each. It knows what it wants to say, what it wants to present and doesn't waste much time in unnecessary side stories.

Shin is a shy introvert guy who has just joined university. Initially forced to study together, soon the trio of him, Bright and Pramote become real close friends. Shin considers his college senior Keng to be his Ido since he is popular, studious and also school’s ambassador for their marketing campaigns. One day running out looking for tie to be able to sit in exam, the duo run into each other and an unlikely friendship strikes. We see that Keng had noticed Shin on day 1 and had taken an instant liking to him. Keng takes a strong interest in the young university student, mentoring him with class assignments. He also introduces him to his friends. Among them is Man, a suspicious student who immediately dislikes Shin upon meeting him. It turns out Man has a massive crush on Keng, but was rejected by his friend after a failed love confession. Man takes secret pics of the duo together and soon rumors start about the two which bother Shin. When he tries to discuss this with Keng, he confesses his love for Shin but Shin says he is not gay and politely refuses. This doesn't go down well with Keng and assails Shin physically and sexually. This leads to Shin losing his complete confidence. The last episode is about Shin's friends trying their best to being Shin back to normal, Keng uses multiple opportunities to apologize and thankfully gets snubbedd every time from Shin and his family because this wrong can never be undone.

The main character in The Effect gets raped by the man who is perceived to be his love interest. You will be disturbed watching his helpless body literally dragged across the floor, as he fails to escape his assailant’s violent wrath. He is beaten, bruised, and brutalized by his rapist, who performs this senseless act while justifying it as “love”. Stories about  rape, sexual assault, and abusive trauma are extremely important and I think this show does a decent enough job of addressing it. I was quite worried that like most shows, Shin may forgive Keng, but I was happy to see he stayed put on his opinion and refuses to entertain him, just because Keng feels sorry and thinks he is in love. Keng has anger issues which we are given a hint of when he picks up a fight with his friend Man, but I didn't expect the show to go in a direction that it did. I do understand that some people have taken offense to the portrayal of gay guys (manipulative Man or Rapist Keng), but I am ready to discount that in this case. I was more focussed on taking away more powerful interpretations from the narrative. The ending is a bit off and weird. Remember this is not a cute typical BL show that has a happy ending like we expect. Instead its dark, raw, heavy and maybe make you feel sick; but important. (6.5/10)