Nevertheless
I keep telling myself that I will never watch an on-going series ever again. However, I’ll come across a trailer that will move me and I will go back to this vicious cycle once again.
Nevertheless was one such impulsive watch for me. As I finish wrapping up this series that had me on pins and needles for the best part of the past two months, I try to pen my thoughts about this particular series.
Nevertheless is based on a Korean Webtoon by the same name by Jeongseo. As is the case with any sane and normal person, I went and downloaded the app right after finishing the first episode. So imagine my disappointment when I realised that I can read only one chapter every day. However, let us not go down that road. Unlike most other Korean dramas, this show runs for ten episodes only. Now, before going any further, let me tell you that the Webtoon only has forty episodes (which isn’t too much material to begin with). So, kudos to the makers who worked to deliver a drama which not only kept the essence of the original story alive but implemented the script in a manner that was highly relatable and kept the audience hooked.
I am not a very patient person, nor do I like to bite my nails in anticipation of what is to be but Han So Hee and Song Kang’s chemistry as Yu Na-bi and Park Jae-eon got me hooked. The story of two individuals with two radically different outlook on dating, love and relationships who get together in a “relationship” of sorts will intrigue you to no end. The plotline seemed like a long-ish not so rom-com-ish cross between “Friends With Benefits” and “No Strings Attached”. However, it was definitely more humane and explored a host of complex relations the protagonists shared with each other as well as the people around them. At times, it almost feels like you have front row tickets to witnessing a car crash. You know it is inevitable but you can neither look away nor stop it from happening. Gruesome, right? But that is exactly how I felt.
It almost had me feeling as if the emotions are taking a tumble in a washing machine and when it is all done with, you can hardly discern which is which. The best thing that I love about Korean dramas is the way they explore the human relationships and the character arcs. Nevertheless is no different. Focusing not only on the trails of the protagonists, it also explores the characters of the supporting cast, their self-doubts and their fears, and captures the growth of every character very effectively. Growing up in this age of Internet, I found this drama extremely relatable and at times, I almost felt like pulling them by their collars and making them listen. My heart wept, cried and laughed with those on the screen and now that the final episode is finally out, I think a re-watch is definitely there in the near future.
Nevertheless is a beautiful story that reflects the sentiments of all those that want love but are wary to show it. Relationships are complex and this show captures it most beautifully. Throughout the course of it, I had my friends tell me that it wasn’t really that great but I had faith and I kept waiting for the weekend to arrive. Every Saturday, right before I headed off to bed, I would silently root for Na-bi and Jae-eon.
The show does lose the initial momentum after the first few episodes but I don’t blame the makers. The premise was beautiful, the shots picture-perfect, the music spot-on and the heavy symbolism (I’ll keep that bit a surprise) absolutely on-point. While I know many who have watched the series will disagree, I believe this one had potential and it sort-of delivered. And finally, in case you are looking for a millennial love story with a shot of reality, this one could be a good pick for the weekend.
Disclaimer: The above review solely illustrates the views of the writer.