Review Stay by My Side (2023) BY RoyBoyLove
"Stay by My Side" begins as a refreshingly quirky blend of supernatural elements and romantic comedy, offering viewers a glimpse into the life of Gu Bu Xia, a college student grappling with a haunting past and an uncertain present. The premise itself holds strong promise: a young anthropology student raised in a temple, shielded from ghosts by a talisman, suddenly finds his world turned upside down after his grandfather's passing. The weakening of this talisman opens the door to ghostly voices that unsettle Bu Xia’s life, creating a tense but intriguing backdrop for the unfolding narrative. The arrival of Jiang Chi, a law student with a stoic and cold exterior, further complicates matters — and when Bu Xia realizes Jiang Chi's presence quiets the supernatural disturbances, a unique bond begins to form between the two. This setup cleverly balances supernatural intrigue with romantic tension, giving the story an edge that is both playful and emotionally charged.
The strength of the show lies largely in the performance of Hong Wei Zhe, who makes an impressive acting debut. His portrayal of Gu Bu Xia is both heartfelt and endearing, capturing the character’s naive innocence and growing complexity with remarkable skill. His ability to oscillate between comedic awkwardness and moments of genuine vulnerability gives the series a lively and relatable protagonist. The chemistry between him and the actor playing Jiang Chi creates a dynamic that keeps viewers engaged during the show's initial episodes. Their interactions explore a layered relationship where each harbors their own hidden motives—Bu Xia’s desperation for relief from the ghosts, and Jiang Chi’s unexpected romantic interest—providing a refreshing take on common BL tropes.
Within the first half of the series, the storyline balances humor, supernatural mystery, and romantic development effectively. The show's pacing during these episodes allows the audience to invest in both characters’ arcs and the mystery of the spirits that plague Bu Xia. It skillfully avoids overused plot devices like forced misunderstandings, instead opting for a more nuanced approach where both leads have reasons for their guarded behaviors, adding depth to the narrative. Additionally, the direction embraces the trope of the serious, emotionally reserved character being the one in love, flipping expectations in a way that feels fresh and intriguing.
The production also deserves credit for its willingness to portray the romantic relationship with sincerity and passion. Unlike many BL dramas where physical affection is minimal or only subtly implied, "Stay by My Side" does not shy away from intimate moments. The frequent and earnest kisses between the leads add a layer of authenticity and emotional weight to their connection, enhancing the viewer's investment in their journey.
However, as the series progresses past the midpoint, the writing begins to falter. The initial dramatic tension, built on secret agendas and supernatural conflict, dissolves rather abruptly once the two leads officially become a couple. The unresolved mysteries and character motivations that once fueled the narrative lose their urgency, and the story settles into a slow, meandering pace. Instead of exploring the complexities of their relationship or delving deeper into the ghostly phenomenon, the series lingers too long on repetitive romantic scenes that lack substantive development. This stagnation dilutes the emotional impact and leaves the viewer longing for more meaningful conflict or character growth.
Isaac Yang’s portrayal of Jiang Chi, while visually compelling, suffers from underdeveloped characterization. The show hints at a troubled family background that could have added layers to his personality and emotional range, yet these threads remain unexplored. As a result, his character often feels one-dimensional, toggling between stoic detachment and infatuated adoration without much nuance. This lack of depth ultimately undermines the potential complexity of the central relationship and weakens the overall storytelling.
The later episodes, especially the special final episode, feel particularly disappointing. Instead of delivering a satisfying resolution or meaningful progression, the show devolves into a repetitive series of romantic affirmations that fail to advance the plot or deepen the characters’ experiences. This approach leaves the finale feeling hollow and disconnected from the more compelling setup of earlier episodes, making it difficult to recall the excitement the series once generated.
In summary, "Stay by My Side" shines brightest in its early episodes thanks to a charming lead performance, an engaging premise, and a balanced blend of supernatural and romantic elements. Unfortunately, its potential is undercut by uneven pacing, missed opportunities for character development, and a waning narrative drive in the latter half. While it offers moments of genuine warmth and humor, the series ultimately falls short of delivering a fully satisfying or memorable experience. Fans of the genre may appreciate its initial promise and heartfelt moments, but they should be prepared for a conclusion that feels somewhat underwhelming compared to the show’s strong start.
The strength of the show lies largely in the performance of Hong Wei Zhe, who makes an impressive acting debut. His portrayal of Gu Bu Xia is both heartfelt and endearing, capturing the character’s naive innocence and growing complexity with remarkable skill. His ability to oscillate between comedic awkwardness and moments of genuine vulnerability gives the series a lively and relatable protagonist. The chemistry between him and the actor playing Jiang Chi creates a dynamic that keeps viewers engaged during the show's initial episodes. Their interactions explore a layered relationship where each harbors their own hidden motives—Bu Xia’s desperation for relief from the ghosts, and Jiang Chi’s unexpected romantic interest—providing a refreshing take on common BL tropes.
Within the first half of the series, the storyline balances humor, supernatural mystery, and romantic development effectively. The show's pacing during these episodes allows the audience to invest in both characters’ arcs and the mystery of the spirits that plague Bu Xia. It skillfully avoids overused plot devices like forced misunderstandings, instead opting for a more nuanced approach where both leads have reasons for their guarded behaviors, adding depth to the narrative. Additionally, the direction embraces the trope of the serious, emotionally reserved character being the one in love, flipping expectations in a way that feels fresh and intriguing.
The production also deserves credit for its willingness to portray the romantic relationship with sincerity and passion. Unlike many BL dramas where physical affection is minimal or only subtly implied, "Stay by My Side" does not shy away from intimate moments. The frequent and earnest kisses between the leads add a layer of authenticity and emotional weight to their connection, enhancing the viewer's investment in their journey.
However, as the series progresses past the midpoint, the writing begins to falter. The initial dramatic tension, built on secret agendas and supernatural conflict, dissolves rather abruptly once the two leads officially become a couple. The unresolved mysteries and character motivations that once fueled the narrative lose their urgency, and the story settles into a slow, meandering pace. Instead of exploring the complexities of their relationship or delving deeper into the ghostly phenomenon, the series lingers too long on repetitive romantic scenes that lack substantive development. This stagnation dilutes the emotional impact and leaves the viewer longing for more meaningful conflict or character growth.
Isaac Yang’s portrayal of Jiang Chi, while visually compelling, suffers from underdeveloped characterization. The show hints at a troubled family background that could have added layers to his personality and emotional range, yet these threads remain unexplored. As a result, his character often feels one-dimensional, toggling between stoic detachment and infatuated adoration without much nuance. This lack of depth ultimately undermines the potential complexity of the central relationship and weakens the overall storytelling.
The later episodes, especially the special final episode, feel particularly disappointing. Instead of delivering a satisfying resolution or meaningful progression, the show devolves into a repetitive series of romantic affirmations that fail to advance the plot or deepen the characters’ experiences. This approach leaves the finale feeling hollow and disconnected from the more compelling setup of earlier episodes, making it difficult to recall the excitement the series once generated.
In summary, "Stay by My Side" shines brightest in its early episodes thanks to a charming lead performance, an engaging premise, and a balanced blend of supernatural and romantic elements. Unfortunately, its potential is undercut by uneven pacing, missed opportunities for character development, and a waning narrative drive in the latter half. While it offers moments of genuine warmth and humor, the series ultimately falls short of delivering a fully satisfying or memorable experience. Fans of the genre may appreciate its initial promise and heartfelt moments, but they should be prepared for a conclusion that feels somewhat underwhelming compared to the show’s strong start.
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RoyBoyLove
Stay by My Side (2023)
免疫屏蔽
7.0
7.0
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6.0
6.0
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