The first season concluded on a cliffhanger involving a drowning during a storm; while I suspected it was Kyle, it was actually Andre, the fisherman boyfriend, who went under. Given the quality of that initial run, I was surprised the creators produced a second season. This installment is slightly better, primarily because it attempts to tell a story, even if the execution is lacking. With 13 episodes lasting only about sixteen minutes each, the series moves quickly, and you'll find yourself finished before you realize it.A doctor living a solitary life in the mountains discovers Andre one year after his drowning and nurses him back to health. As Andre recovers, he has no memory of his identity or origins, and the pair gradually falls in love. Meanwhile, back home, Kyle is managing the business and still mourning Andre, fueled by a gut feeling that Andre might still be alive. Kyle's trans friend is currently in a relationship with a local fisherman, though they are considering a breakup due to their rocky dynamic. Once news spreads that someone matching Andre's description was seen in the mountains, Kyle, the trans friend, and her boyfriend set out to locate him. During the journey, the boyfriend flirts with a local, which effectively ends their relationship. Upon finally tracking Andre down, he has no recollection of Kyle and refuses to go with him, forcing Kyle to watch the man he loves fall for someone else. Despite every effort to convince him to return, nothing works. The situation complicates when it is revealed that the doctor…
This marks the third time I have encountered a Merman BL show lately, as the genre seems to be having a moment with that specific merman fantasy vibe. While the initial setup feels somewhat intriguing, the series quickly descends into relying on the cheapest tropes available, prioritizing skin and shock value above all else. I experienced many moments that caused me to cringe hard. However, once you realize this is an Oxin Films production—the same studio responsible for Hermoso, which I also watched—you realize exactly what to expect. Every single episode features a random sex scene crammed into the runtime, and they even include a little message prompting viewers to subscribe for VIP access to see the uncensored version, which is gross. The series consists of ten episodes, with each one lasting around fifty to sixty minutes. The initial ten minutes establish the premise: Kai is a merman held captive by a tacky witch named Ursula, whose resort thrives on his innate good luck energy while surrounding areas struggle. Isolated and longing for his sea family, Kai falls for a local islander named Mario, but just as their connection deepens, Mario vanishes into the ocean and is presumed dead. While Kai blames himself, it seems far more probable that Ursula is responsible for the disappearance. Ursula’s older sister is the only person who shows Kai genuine kindness, yet she remains trapped under her sister's control. Years later, two friends, Alfred and Elios, arrive at the resort. Elios is a handsome young man captivated by merman legends, and when he happens…
By targeting the predatory nature of modern TV journalism, this film exposes a world where reporters prioritize the perfect shot over everything else, even thrusting microphones and cameras into the faces of the grieving. The result is a portrayal of just how brutal deceit and manipulation can become. Using a doc drama style, the movie achieves a deeply meta feel by playing out like a real documentary while simultaneously pulling back the curtain to show the process of its own creation. This blending of theatrics, illusion, and delusion creates visuals that are both gripping and unsettling. The film begins with the news of a stabbing that killed a gay man named Jay in his own apartment, showing the unfolding aftermath and the reactions of his mother and the rest of his family. Although we are told the killer has been caught, the film questions if that is actually the case. Around fifteen minutes in, the narrative rewinds to the morning of the murder. We are then introduced to a director and a cameraman aiming to produce a documentary about this specific killing. The director arrives at the home of Jay's family before they are even aware of the murder, filming their raw, real-time reactions as they discover their brother and son has been killed. As hysterical screaming and crying erupt, the camera simply keeps rolling. Throughout this, Jay remains completely detached, calmly directing his cameraman through the chaos. This pattern continues as various individuals are interviewed one after another. When some of the footage is destroyed, Jay goes so far…
The Philippines Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex couples can jointly own property, marking a meaningful legal step for queer partners in a country where same-sex marriage is still not recognized.
