What happens when lines begin to blur and reality seeps into fiction??

Adapted from the novel “Deep in the Act” (入戏) by Tong Zi (童子), director Liu Jun Hao scripts a romance that is equal parts enchanting & alluring. Encompassing a vast canvas that depicts two parallel romances, “Deep In” features the talented fresh pairing of Ollie & Shu Yuan. Despite being rookie actors, they are immersive in their roles. Portraying two different characters in an intimate setting can be jarring, but Ollie & Shu Yuan adapt themselves to their roles. The stunning cinematography plays to their advantage. The show combines psychological trauma with unbridled romance to present two characters deeply immersed in love. The variables differ, but the actors do their best, attempting the impossible, as the director aptly uses their strengths to their best abilities. Also, the show ends with the biggest plot twist ever, and you will be stunned beyond belief!!

Storyline & Characters

“Deep In” instantly engrosses us in the riveting world of the new feature film that stars two seemingly straight men, Zhen Xin (Ollie) and Zhen Xin (Shu Yuan). Zhen Xin is an award-winning actor while Zhang Zhun is a struggling stunt double. His company is trying to front into an active role, and he lands this opportunity while auditioning with Zhen Xin. Zhen Xin is instantly drawn to Zhang Zhun and decides that he will be paired with no one else. The film they are shooting, and their real-life reality can be treated as parallel life streams as complicated feelings arise, and they end up tangled with each other.

In the film, Zhang Zhun plays Gao Zhun, an emotionally stunted wealthy man who is suffering from emotional trauma after he was forcibly raped by a stranger. Zhen Xin plays his consulting psychiatrist, Dr. Fang Chi. As the treatment begins, they are oddly drawn to each other, as Gao Zhun’s twisted desires resurface. With each consultation, he gives up on his fears and insecurities, only to end up becoming obsessed with Fang Chi. As Zhang Zhun immerses himself in this role, boundaries are blurred as Zhen Xin feels sexually drawn to him. Their onscreen chemistry translates to offscreen attraction as they project their onscreen feelings onto each other.

Things get complicated when Zhen Xin makes his move only to be deterred by his girlfriend, Feng Yun Ting (Bai Yi Ru). Scandals erupt and rumors are spread as Zhang Zhun is forced to face his feelings for Zhen Xin. “Deep In” ends with an unexpected happy ending & a plot twist that is unexplainable. You need to watch this show to appreciate Ollie and Shu Yuan’s acting caliber. The duality in their characters is praiseworthy. As Zhen Xin, Ollie portrays a dominant and arrogant outlook which shifts into a calm and composed demeanor as Dr. Fang Chi. Shu Yuan seems anxious and nervous as Zhang Zhun but when he steps in front of the camera as Gao Zhun, his expressions are prolific and dynamic.

Chemistry–

The show completely hinges on the unspoken tension between Ollie & Shu Yuan in the first half. Zhen Xin is quite sexually active and since his girlfriend is away, he starts projecting those desires into the character he plays onscreen. His interactions are subtle but flirtatious. Zhang Zhun seems inexperienced when it comes to same-sex relationships. So, he spends a lot of time questioning his attraction to Zhen Xin while feeling quilty about his devoted girlfriend. Zhen Xin is a force to be reckoned with because he doesn’t easily give up. Not even when his girlfriend arrives and brews up a storm to separate them. He easily coughs up millions to shut her out and proves his loyalty to Zhang Zhun. As Gao Zhun & Fang Chi, the underlying tension between them keeps simmering, elevating the overall storytelling. Ollie and Shu Yuan are rookie actors, this is their first major project and their dedication to their roles is obvious.

Final Impressions

“I walked 472 steps following you from the hotpot”

There are romantic heroes with their connotations and then there is Zhen Xin. While waiting for Zhang Zhun to accept his own feelings, he maintains a distance and respects Zhang Zhun’s boundaries. Even though he pursues him aggressively, he never once forces his feelings on Zhang Zhun. He quietly waits until Zhang Zhun approaches him on his own and accepts his feelings. The stark contrast between the characters in the film and their onscreen personalities drives the narrative forward. It’s a vast canvas that is painted intricately!!

Rating- 5 out of 5

Streaming on- Viki & Gagaoolala