NightTime (2019)

I was surprised by the high marks I ended up giving this little 3-episode series. But it's an exquisite miniature. There's a story. A beginning, a middle, an end. Two characters who are on screen almost the whole time. No extraneous plotlines. Often a scene is played out in one very plain room, or sometimes outdoors. Everything about it is modest.

Also the lifestyle of the characters. Unlike so many of our most beloved gay love story heroes in Thailand, they are not rich. Not at all, quite the opposite - at least one of them is poor, very poor, struggling, an orphan. And we see that also in the settings, the streets, the clothes, the props, the absence of any fancy cars. Both actors are absolutely compelling to look at - but they are not spectacularly beautiful. I say that as one who is a great fan of spectacularly beautiful Thai actors - I adore those gorgeous guys. But these two hold our attention because of their expressions and movements: their acting. They look like normal, average, pleasant-looking young men. But I'll never forget the beauty of their faces in many scenes: a beauty which they and the camera create. And the story, meanwhile, likewise modest and simple, anything but convoluted, is interesting, as it starts with the idea of repentance, compensation, a wrongdoer trying to make up for his crime.

Some declare this series low-budget, marked by poor production standards etc. It's not a glossy, high-budget production, no. But praising its modesty and simplicity isn't a way of dressing up its shortcomings as virtues. Not at all. It really IS admirably modest and simple in many ways - which in some scenes are rather breathtaking: the dialogue, the facial expressions and movements of the actors, the wonderful slowness of certain scenes (yet in such a short series), the silences, the moments of love, self-realisation, intimacy and total vulnerability. Also the score, a very lyrical piano accompaniment which reminds one at times of some very classy, famous films. Again, modest and simple and just right.

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This film is worth (re)watching for at least five reasons; and though I have only watched the film once, I suspect I'll rate it 10/10 after a second and third viewing. First, the actors act shyly towards each, which is very refreshing. Second, each character reveals to the other that he is confused about their developing relationship, while Time cares for Night. Third, there is a believable and moving shyness about their relationship, an awkwardness between them because their relationship seems to emerge from nowhere, and neither has expected to develop such intense feelings for the other. Fourth, the story develops the themes of personal responsibility, sensitivity, openness, and atonement, all important themes to reflect on in our lives and relationships. Fifth, a very tender scene happens at the edge of the bed, when Time insists on washing Night, who can not bathe himself properly because of his injured arm. Nor should you be put off by the ending, which inspires hope as Night and Time experience their first struggle being apart as a couple.

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