The Luminous Solution Review – Vague At Best
Okay, so the last episode of this series was interesting! But until the climactic episode of 2023 Thai series “The Luminous Solution” (แสงส่องรัก), the plot is all over the place and will make viewers question their own life decision. Like why they are watching this, when they could watch something else?
Directed by Jane Kitt Botta, the six-episode series follows two couples, one still in school, while the other comprises of a busy doctor dating an office worker. The only thing these two different sets of people seem to have in common is that one individual from each pair makes a wish at a mysterious cafe run by a weird women who claims their wishes will come true.
While the fantasy premise of the “wish-shop” is intriguing, the lady who runs it stands out like a haunted doll from a different era, and her character feels out of place throughout the show. To add a comical twist (albeit unintentional), the shop only appears late at night for those in desperate need, and apparently, according to the show’s writers, a teenager’s wish to kiss their crush is of utmost importance. LOL.
Gun Napat Na Ranong portrays Doctor Phatis, whose relationship faces difficulties due to his lack of attentiveness towards his partner, Thana (Mig Teerapat Prongaroon). While it’s understandable for doctors to be busy, Doctor Phatis lacks even the basic courtesy of responding to messages or promptly taking calls, even while casually chatting with colleagues at the clinic. Some viewers might sympathize with Phatis’ character solely because Gun Napat Na Ranong looks endearingly vulnerable and sweet. However, both Phatis and Thana bear responsibility for the breakdown of their relationship. Besides, the onscreen chemistry between actors Gun and Mig failed to capture the natural comfort of a couple who have been together for ten years.
The secondary love story involving high school students Reaow (Bell Ratchata Kumsup) and Mai (Bhu Bhudis Viseshchitra) made very little sense. Their progression from initially hating each other to suddenly falling in love was simply bizarre. I couldn’t help but think that the makers should have completely scrapped their plot and focused on developing Phatis and Thana’s story more effectively. The explanation of Reaow and Mai’s presence in the show only came in the final episode. Surprisingly, the finale was slightly more interesting than the lack-luster episodes before it. While the cast was decent, the story is confusing and the writing needed a whole lot of work.
It’s a 5 on 10 from me. You can stream the series on YouTube.
