How often do we see or read something that takes time to adapt or to process and then leaves us feeling lonely after we finished watching or reading it? Lots of BL dramas and movies are released every year, but only some of them leave a meaningful impact. Stay with Me is one of such dramas that left a deep impression on me. I was hooked from the first episode until the last one. Everything about this series starting from the story line, characters, settings to the direction, was topnotch. Like most of the people, I went into watching the series, thinking about how amazing and well-received the original Addicted was and I never thought that anyone can make a better version of the original show without ruining it. And I am very happy and glad to be wrong. As I had already mentioned in the first impressions- watch the show without comparing every little thing to original one.

What I immediately loved about the series was that it was well paced, neither too fast nor too slow. It took a sufficient amount of time to portray a budding relationship between our main character’s Wu Bi (Xu Bin) and Su Yu (Zhang Jiong Min). Their relationship development from “Enemies to Friends to Lovers” was well portrayed. I will add lovers because no amount of censorship would make me believe that it was just a simple bromance. The lingering glances, little kisses, gazes full of love, and the understanding they will make you feel all kinds of things. I think it’s a very beautiful cinematic art to represent a feeling of love and an intimate relationship without actually adding too much physical intimacy. As a viewer, I feel more connected to such relationships and portrayal of a story as it gives us chances to understand and explore what the characters want to convey. They are like soulmates, completing each other.

I am going to say this again, but I loved the bonding between Su Yu and his dad. The father-son duo is very adorable; on the other hand till the ending of the show, I never liked or connected with his Mom. I like how the director kept the storyline realistic instead of just unconvincingly redeeming all the wrongdoings. I wished anyone from the Wu Bi’s side family was even half as nice or supporting as Su Yu’ father was. Because a child grows on how they are raised, what they see, understand around them growing up. Wu Bi’s bratty, short- tempered behaviour was because of this reason only. He totally improved and started developing in a positive way, after he met Su Yu and started spending time with him and his dad. We could see how pure his heart is when he supports Su Yu emotionally after his dad gets remarried and they have new additions to the family. Because after going through abusive behaviour from their parents, it is hard for children to overcome fear, feeling of insecurities and self- hatred that they start developing for themselves. I totally understand Wu Bi’s mental state after how his father treated him.

The actors did a really phenomenal job playing high school students, and the acting was wonderful. The jealousy, the longing gaze, the small intimate moments, everything emotional was performed by the actors in a striking manner. The whole series was like a roller coaster ride and even though I wish the ending was something more, I have my finger crossed for the second season. Because It will only be fair to all the viewers who want more.

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala

Krishna’s Sidenote-

Stay With Me stars Xu Bin & Zhang Jiong Min featured on the cover of Bazaar Magazine

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