Call It What You Want (2021)

Very good short series... just don't let the car scenes irk you.

A great season one. My only gripe with this series are the car scenes. Everything else was better.

The storyline is consistent, albeit sometimes a bit rushed due to episode constraint, the character's stories are realistically portrayed. I love that the series not only focuses on the love story of James and Ait but also took time to explore Bas's. His story has so many layers of conflicts that season 1 was not able to completely unwrap and his story line is the one I'll be looking forward to see in season 2.

The actors acting are also great. I don't know if they are newbies in the industry, but the way they showed their characters is gripping and captivating. I think the director also has a hand on it.

As for the ending, yes it is a bit anti-climactic, which is expected as this one is marketed as adapted from real life experience.

Will write an in-dept review after re-watching it from the beginning.

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Feels like "behind the scenes"

This is not a "high budget" production - which is not bad, it actually makes it even better for me.

First, the actors. They are more "real" than in any other BL series. Time for example is great, he is "normal" and not styled to death. I already loved him in "Present still perfect" (if you haven't seen it: watch it!).
And Michael? Jesus, his acting is awesome! Yes, he is the product of BL industry, but his acting really hit me because he is so vulnerable. For me, he is the best character in this show because he combines what I critizise most about BL: on the one hand, he has amazing looks - but to what cost? His portrait of Bas is (sadly) true: sacrificing his health (even mentally) just to be a BL actor - there is nothing sadder to be seen.

Second, the story. Because of the show being "low" budget it feels for me like a "behind the scenes" and this makes it even more believable for me. I do not know what is really going on in the shows - there are rumors and some times there are "facts" about BL productions, I do not like. Like sexual harassment, pressure on the actors even in their private life and prejudices. I think this is sad because in my opinion, BL could be a great way to create understanding and acceptance for gay / queer relationships - but not the way it is shown in most BL productions.

Aam Anusorn Soisa-ngim is not afraid to show the "dark" side of BL (check out "BL - broken fantasy" on gagaoolala and yes, please pay for it because this should be supported) and I am glad that there are brave people like him! And even if this show is not "smooth and cute" like other BL, this should be supported - for the sake of the actors and for the sake of every gay / queer human being out there.

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