'Until We Meet Again' (An Early Review)

Credit: Until We Meet Again the Series; Studio Wabi Sabi

Spoilers for: Until We Meet Again the Series (UWMA; ด้ายแดงซีรีส์) (Thailand) (2019) & The Red Thread (Red String) (novel)

“Promise me, that we will always find each other.”

“I promise.”

- Until We Meet Again the Series (2019)

*Note from the Writer: There are many episodes left to air in this series, but my opinion probably won’t change for the worse because of these additional episodes, if anything it’ll change for the better. So without further ado… 

Synopsis:

Until We Meet Again the series is the live action adaptation of the novel The Red Thread (Red String) by LazySheep. The story follows the lives and romantic relationship of Dean (Ohm Thitiwat Ritprasert) and Pharm (Fluke Natouch Siripongthon) and their journey of discovering that they have fallen in love once before in their past lives. After taking their own lives due to their families’ disapproval of their relationship in their first incarnation, Dean and Pharm are brought together in their current lives through promises, and a red string of fate.

In their past lives Dean and Pharm were Korn (Nine Noppakao Decha Phatthanakun) and Intouch (Earth Katsamonnat Namwirote). Where Korn and In’s story ended in tragedy Dean and Pharm pick up the mantle to begin the story anew. In their new life, they are joined by family and friends that make up the other cast of characters. These characters go on narrative journeys themselves as their lives interweave with those of our main characters.

Creative Critiques

First off, to those used to a  fast-paced storytelling style, the pacing of UWMA may feel a bit off. Normally, I would say a show like this is slow-paced, but in the case of UWMA, its pacing is a bit clunky, in its attempt to slow down. A slow-paced show organically and naturally propels the story forward at a slow pace without feeling awkward. However, UWMA has moments that seem to linger longer than necessary throughout the series. However, this may be due in part to the series’ need to often pause for dramatic effect. Like a comedy’s tendency to leave a noticeable space between jokes for the audience’s laughter, UWMA pauses to allow fans to scream, cry, squeal, aww (insert heart eyes) and Ahh! (insert shocked face).

After a while, I came to appreciate the attempt at slow pacing, as I needed those pauses more frequently as the series progressed.

Lost/Gained in Translation (aka Adaptation)

There aren’t that many changes between the original novel and the live action adaptation. Some scenes are altered to be more TV appropriate or family-friendly, but none of the LGBTQ+, ally, or other story content, romantic or otherwise, were harmed in the transition from novel to series.

Some of the moments that seemed to take a little longer in the novel got straight to the point in the series, which helped balance out the slower pacing.

The series also maintains the stylistic non-linear storytelling present in the novel. During The Red Thread, Pharm and Dean’s story is told in present day in linear order, while In and Korn’s story is told 30-40 years in the past, in non-linear order, beginning with the moments that led up to the end of their lives. This style remains in the live action adaptation by the use of time jumps and flashbacks.

The combination of linear and non-linear storytelling helps to soften the blow the audience receives with the tragedy that is In and Korn, as the audience can take comfort in the fact that In and Korn live on through Pharm and Dean.

That being said, it doesn’t make it any easier to watch In and Korn’s sweet story in bits and pieces from beginning to middle, knowing how it’s going to end. It’s like watching a countdown clock to inevitability. As a viewer, you start noticing details like the same weather or the clothes they were wearing at the end of their story. So, a slight trigger warning may be warranted. Still, I can’t imagine the past tragedy is enough to deter any viewer away from the present story and future to come.

Recommendations:

I recommend reading The Red Thread and other works by this author as standalone experiences and also as supplementary texts to the series for added information, including internal dialogue and conflict.

Of course, I recommend watching the series from start to finish for the full experience. Studio Wabi Sabi (YouTube Channel) has the entire series officially and legally uploaded on YouTube as well as a few bonuses. So, feel free to get lost in translation.

For more about the series:

[Official] Until We Meet Again | Red Thread Ep. 1

About the Writer

Angela M. Thomas is a Co-Founder & Administrator of the WODC where she serves as the Write or Die Chicks Social Media & Branding Specialist. She captains the international media column Lost in Translation.