A Short yet Raw Portrayal of the LGBTQ+ Experience
‘Meet Me Outside’ is a short, honest, and sweet drama that has a runtime of a little over an hour about two broken souls who find solace in each other at resort. Juan Miguel Severo, the screenwriter behind the brilliant drama ‘Gaya sa Pelikula’, also wrote this so to say my expectations were high would be an understatement.While I didn’t love ‘Meet Me Outside’ as its predecessor I definitely enjoyed it. The plot was pretty straightforward and simple but the cast really made it their own. Both Genesis (Dale) and Kaloy (James) perfectly portrayed the characters. You could feel the chemistry between them right from the start and as the episodes progressed so did the chemistry. The main complaint I have with this drama is the length. I felt the sixty or so minutes we spent with Dale and James were not nearly enough time to flesh them out. But that’s less of a outright criticism and more of a personal preference.
The OST was not that memorable but it definitely helped immerse the audience into the story rather than pull them out of it. The cinematography was very pretty too despite the fact that the majority of the drama takes place in one place. I liked the way the director enhanced the characters feelings through the use of different camera angles.
One last thing I want to point out without giving away any spoilers is that ‘Meet Me Outside’ felt as if it’s truly meant to be a story for and by LGBTQ+ individuals. It was unafraid to dive into certain issues and certainly managed to capture the raw vulnerability of heartbreak.
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This review may contain spoilers
Meet Me Outside (2020): A Short and Sweet Pinoy BL Microseries
Even though “Meet Me Outside” was an obvious product placement for Blued app, currently the largest gay social network app, it was still a pretty good series. Being a Filipino (Pinoy) boys’ love (BL) microseries, “Meet Me Outside” was short, with the entire series less than an hour long. I would have wanted longer episodes, but this series, with all its cute and romantic scenes, was nevertheless a worthwhile watch. It was short and sweet.“Meet Me Outside” was about two young men, who were alone for the holidays for different reasons, who gravitated towards each other after a conversation through the Blued app. Albeit simple, its plot/storyline was actually realistic. Dale and James’ characterizations were generally relatable. I empathized with both Dale and James. Their reactions to situations were mostly understandable. I did found the character development of Dale from timid Dale to confident Dale a bit abrupt, but overall, it was still alright. Sure, I would have wanted an intimate kiss here and there but their cuddles and hugs were also fine.
The realism and relatability of the plot/storyline of “Meet Me Outside” were reinforced by its impeccable screenplay. Dale and James’ conversation about love and relationships was genuine and sensible. Their banter were cute and romantic.
Acting on this series was largely believable. I love Genesis and Kaloy! They’re both charming and endearing! Their character portrayals on “Meet Me Outside” were quite different when compared to their characters in “In Between” and “Boys’ Lockdown” which only proves that they can act. Also, there’s something about their chemistry that’s undeniable.
Audio-visuals of this series were clean and clear. While not particularly made for this series, I still liked all the soundtracks especially “Pahintulot” (Permission) by Shirebound & Busking.
On the whole, I would definitely recommend rewatching “Meet Me Outside.” It was short and sweet.
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Short, But Sweet
I expected nothing less from the Severo-Habac tandem. They brought us Gaya Sa Pelikula (Like In The Movies), so I am sure that this micro-series will deliver. I was not familiar of Kaloy and Genesis though, so I was wary at first even though they already seem likeable through the teasers and trailers that I have seen. Amazingly enough, I ended up loving this show and the wait for it every midnight for a week was one of the best parts of my Christmas. Through this series, you feel the importance of presence and companionship. Sometimes, you are lucky enough to immediately build a connection with someone you just met and it leaves such a memorable experience with you. In such a short series, it tackled class struggle, sadness and longing, self-preservation, and intimacy. Kaloy and Genesis had such amazing chemistry. They shot this in a span of four days, if I remember correctly, yet they were able to pull it off. I sincerely hope we get to a second season because there are a lot more to unpack especially when it comes to James and Dale's individual lives and how this might affect their relationship, especially since they have such different backgrounds. Most importantly, Kaloy and Genesis were so effective in this role and made both of these characters feel so lived-in that they deserve another chance to portray James and Dale for a longer, hopefully, full-length Season 2. I'll be holding my breath. For now, the idea of James and Dale spending the holidays together live in my mind rent-free.Was this review helpful to you?
Very short BL Drama
This Drama is only 6 episodes roughly under 15 minutes each. It really doesn’t have much of a plot other than 2 guys being attracted to each other. One checks into a Resort alone because the partner he was supposed to go with fell in love with someone else. The desk clerk who checks him in is attracted to him. They end up together in his Resort room. The drama doesn’t show it, but they obviously had sex, but I mean it didn’t show anything, not even kissing. Because it’s short, I found it worth the watch, but I wouldn't watch it again. If it was longer, I would have dropped it.Was this review helpful to you?
perfect accident
I was sad I had to wait an extra week for the finale but honestly the anticipation was so worth it. Even though this series was short I loved every minute of it. I've seen the BL these boys were on previously and I truly believe they shined here, together! I came across this series by accident/curiosity and I'm so glad I did! It was so cute and there's visuals all around. If you're looking for something where they ravage each other you came to the wrong place... if you're looking for something wholesome, realistic with fluffy cute romance look no further! Definitely a good way to bring in the New Year of 2021 lol There's room for a S2 and I hope we get it, enjoy....Was this review helpful to you?
Severo delivers another relatable series for the Gays
Meet Me Outside provides a "peek" at how a certain portion of gay hookups progress. As a gay person who has been in every gay dating platform, including Blued, I can't emphasize enough how ACCURATE episode 2, 5 and 6 are. It was as if I was reliving certain hook-ups from 3 years and a year ago. You can literally feel that this was made by gay people for gay people. It's also a great critique of the "fast food" relationships that these platforms have to offer.I think the reception to Meet Me Outside is more than a go signal for Blued to fund a season 2 -- preferably separate from Gaya Sa Pelikula's season 2.
While not as tailored as the songs in GSP, the songs used in MMO nevertheless sufficiently conveyed the emotions portrayed by the scenes they appear in. Severo's use of Pavement and Danger by TheSunManager is a testament to his unwavering commitment toward the promotion of OPM regardless of local popularity. I had checked the official videos of these songs on YouTube and was surprised that both songs had no more than 200 views! Obviously, Pahintulot was the Ride Home of MMO.
I am thoroughly convinced that Kaloy (James) and Genesis (Dale) are a couple and you can't tell me otherwise. But I digress. I have only seen bits of Kaloy and Genesis' past acting stints in Boys' Lockdown and In Between, respectively, but I can definitely say that they were better in MMO. I am unsure whether this is a product of Severo's script and Habac's direction or the fact that these people shone more because they were given the opportunity. The awkward moments were accurately portrayed. Dale's duality as a shy yet daring (in the right conditions) man reminded me of someone I know. James' conversation with his ex was painfully familiar and the scenes that transpired in episode 5 all the more so.
Some people might doubt what a 50-minute series could offer, but dare I say, this series really captured a familiar part of the gay experience -- the soft moments, past and present, that we wish to relive in the future. Meet Me Outside is a good intro series for those who wish to start their BL journey and is definitely a series that many gay people would remember.
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Not very good but entertaining enough for an 8
This short web-series is more or less gay to the pint and not much more... I am not really sure what they are trying to say here. Are they trying to tell people to use hook-up apps to connect with people and not only hook up? or are they giving us viewers a lesson in app lingua? Maybe they are sponsored by a dating app that wants to change it´s image , giving is kind of a how to kind of thing? Or is it the anti app lobbyist trying to tell the viewers to forget the apps and just go for it... Since I got attached before the invention of dating apps I do tend to find this fascinating but do not fully understand it.The leads are sweet, the way they look at each other is mesmerising and all lovey lovey at times, other times it looks more like one guy want's to eat the other (which is probably true). And they do show several shades of loneliness, longing and ways to relate to others. Wishing to be held and not just seen as. a product to f***but seems to contradict itself at times....
The episodes are short to the the point and give us a. heads up about what to expect in the episode. the sound, filming and acting is inconsistent. For example there is one episode where the shirt is on, off, on off, on off... during the same scene but then again what do you expect from a short most probably low budget web-series. if you put all that in to consideration it is actually pretty decently made.
I am not going to say this was very good but it was entertaining and did manage to keep my attention from start to finish so even if i gave it 7,5s all round it still gets an 8 for bingabilaty, in relation its format and entertainment value...
P.S. It is actually an very much a product placement series for a gay dating app...
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Beautiful, just beautiful
This series felt very special from the beginning to the end. Despite the episodes being very short and the story not being anything overly elaborate, I feel like everything was utilized just right: not only the actors and the set, but also the length of the episodes, the pacing, the way new information about the protagonists was revealed little by little.Objectively speaking it wasn't supposed to be anything grand or dramatic, yet the fact that everything is at the right place and in the right size makes the series have a bigger impact. This has to be one of the best series I watched.
The actors did great, because beyond the fact that they were both good looking, they also had the charisma and the skills to portray their characters well. They also have very good chemistry with each other - it's been a while since I watched a couple that looked as real as them.
Last but not least, while the music wasn't used a lot, the tracks chosen for different scenes were able to go with the scenes without being distracting or overwhelming.
I recommend watching this one. It takes about an hour to finish it, so it's good for whenever you have some time to spare!
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"It's going to be a long journey. Are you ready???" An absolute delicacy.
Příjemné, svěží dílko, nezatížené těžkým mrakem množiny kvantitativní pinoy produkce, které nám dokázalo, že i z hovínka lze uplést bič. Bylo cítit tu lehkost, s jakou nás oslovilo duo tvůrců už se seriálem Gaya Sa Pelikula. Hudba dle mě také nebyla podprůměrná, naopak, zezačátku, kdy probíhala "masivní" komunikace mezi oběma hlavnímu postavami a neustále se výměna textů zrychlovala, tak mi přišel Čajkovského Květinový valčík jako velice vtipný a nápaditý, zpracování výborné.
"Bude to dlouhá cesta. Jsi připraven???" Naprostá chuťovka.
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Really, a Gay Love Story
This an incredibly enjoyable short BL series that literally is only between the two guys. I found it to be quite refreshing and a moment in the lives of these two men that reflects who they are. It was wonderfully done and very succinct. These two guys are just so charming and awfully cute. They have a chemistry with each other that is immediately seen. Plus, each of them has a way at staring and looking at each other that makes what they are doing so real. It is charming, sensitive, and shows caring. Too often these stories, while longer, never really get into gay relationships with any kind of personal intensity. This one does; not a lot but it still does. My full review of this cute story is at ppbongi.medium.com.Was this review helpful to you?
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Mixing up some potion with that chemistry
I am completely biased. I love Genesis. He is a good actor in all honesty. His character was unsure and nervous at the same time. Lying in attempts to save his heart, Feeling insecure and unsure because the guy he has had a web crush on for like years is now in front of him. Shooting his shot despite the fear. His character was sweet and touchy ...smooth with lines at times but nervous. The character was cute and sexy. The two leads had chemistry. Stolen glances, flirtation one-liners. and I am not talking to him pouts all delivered with sweetness and/or believability. James and Dale are cute and the embodiment of those clumsy and sweet moments of getting to know and fall for someone new.Was this review helpful to you?
Oh, about the drama. It was short and cute, I guess. It's nice if you're looking for something to pass time. The directing is actually good and the acting was decent. Well, it was a bit awkward at first, especially the first scene with the leads.
Then it slowly became less awkward. I feel like Genesis' character was a bit meh... No, I was just too much into James so I didn't want to be distracted by Dale.
Their chemistry was good when they weren't awkward. I loved the scene on the bed in episode 5 and the scene in episode 6 was actually really hot.
So 7 out of 10, even though I don't really know how to rate this. It's not a must-watch, it's not something unique, it's just okay. If you're bored and you like BLs, go ahead and watch this. Kaloy's handsomeness is 100% worth it. He's so pretty,
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