“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” – Zora Neale Hurston

Summary:

Cute introvert Diewdai likes living in his ultra-private world, hiding in his apartment. His best friend is a turtle called Khun Shy. Diew’s life of peace, however, is destroyed when God – an extroverted senior from another faculty – moves in next door. God throws loud daily parties. Diew does his best to endure it – he likes this building – but one night he can’t take it any longer. He slams his door shut to let God know he has a neighbor. After having been there a month, God feels bad and – unsure how to apologize – addresses him from the balcony. Diew responds unconcernedly and, going back and forth, the pair’s talking turns to friendship, with the caveat they mustn’t meet face-to-face, Diew insists.

(Credit: booksreviewbyme2.wordpress.com, Translation: Mydramalist)

The central premise of “Monster Next Door” revolves around the age-old question: Do opposites really attract? For Diew (Park Anantadej) and God (Big Thanakorn), the answer is a resounding yes. On the surface, the two seem like opposites. Diew is quiet, introspective, and keeps a small circle of friends—his best friend Game, and his beloved turtle, Khun Shy. God, on the other hand, is outgoing, popular, and thrives on social interaction. Yet, despite these differences, what shines through is their mutual care and understanding. They embrace each other’s true selves, communicating openly to navigate their differences.

For Diew, his relationship with God offers something he hasn’t felt in a long time: a safe, romantic space. After his previous boyfriend made him feel ashamed for being himself, Diew had become wary of opening up. But God’s patience and respect for Diew’s boundaries create the trust needed for their bond to flourish. Their dynamic is not only healthy but also heartwarming (and, undeniably, adorable).

At its core, the series highlights the importance of accepting people as they are. It shows how pointless it is to judge or put others down simply for being different. “Monster Next Door” beautifully exemplifies the magic that happens when you love someone for who they truly are, not who you or anyone else expects them to be.

Disclaimer: If you’re looking for a lot of tension/dramatic moments, crazy plotlines, or action-packed moments in your BL series, “Monster Next Door” may not be the best fit. The most you will get are simple misunderstandings, easily resolved conflicts and a sick turtle. The true highlight of the series is the refreshing portrayal of a healthy relationship between the two leads. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, fun series with adorable main characters and an intriguing side couple, this is definitely the show for you.

All episodes of ‘Monster Next Door’ are available on WeTV and GagaOOLala.

Rating: 4 out of 5