Drama Review: 46 Days

18

Rating

★★★★

Episodes

18

Drama Digest

This series follows Ying Ying, an unpopular net idol who is about to lose her job after being exposed as a liar by her followers in a video clip. In addition to herself, she also needs to aid her childhood best friend, Noina, who is now the creditor of her own debts. Noina is told by a fortune teller that she would get married by the end of that year. Looking around, she discovered Doctor Korn. He is flawless with a handsome face and a successful career. He is the perfect match for her. The only problem is that he is getting married in 46 days to the supposed love of his life – Wisa, a princess-like celebrity. However, Ying Ying and Noina discover that this bride-to-be is hiding a secret. The mission to ‘guard the guy and set him free from the devil bride (Wisa) in order to end up with the angel (Noina)’ has begun. If the mission is successful, Ying Ying will be completely free of any debts owed to Noina. However, there is another impediment: Doctor Pat, Doctor Korn’s close buddy, is watching their every action. Keep an eye out to see if this 46-day quest succeeds in ruining the wedding!

The Feel-Good Part

This show is a treat to watch – it’s campy, over-the-top, and hilarious, while simultaneously being romantic and emotional. It also did an excellent job of balancing all of the show’s various and complex connections. Starting from Ying Ying and Noina’s friendship, which Ying Ying prioritises over all else to their mothers’ intricate love triangle, and more. It’s a show that’s certainly focused on romance, but there’s so much more going on. The characters were fantastic. Ying Ying is an excellent main character because she makes sound decisions and is easily accessible to the audience. Noina is a little more out of control, but she’s so adorable that it’s difficult to be furious at her, even when she’s too needy and forceful for her own good. The acting, chemistry, and overall aesthetics of the cinematography till the costumes were amazing.

The Disappointing Factor

Trigger Warning: Mentions of Transphobia

Although the drama is quite fun, it is also borderline problematic. There seems to be blatant transphobia subtly portrayed in the show. For many years, many filmmakers have been passing off such instances as comedic relief but it really shouldn’t be taken as such. The show tries to show the transphobia that Pang (Ying Ying’s elder sister) faces, but it does feel pretty clumsy considering how they end up dealing with her interactions with the other characters in the show. There are other instances that just feel plain insensitive, like the constant misgendering when people are mentioning Pang. I guess the show was trying to make a point of sorts in some twisted-satirical sense but with everything that was going on these intentions were lost in translation.

In-Depth Analysis

‘46 Days’ is a fun rom-com with a bizarre plot but the cast and producers somehow make it work. The pacing is the one thing that works wonderfully for the drama. The romance was not rushed, but it took its time to develop appropriately, first resolving the challenges that had arisen before venturing into new trouble. Even though there were relatively few romantic moments between them, the interaction between the characters itself was quite engaging, and both couples had great chemistry. The sisterhood between the two main characters was the drama’s most powerful relationship. It was an interesting connection that produced some warm and wonderful moments. Finally, the drama handled various issues under the umbrella of comedy, such as the main lead’s family drama as well as her sisters, but with all the care and attention needed when it came to more sensitive matters.

Star Power

The cast of “46 Days” was simply superb, Baifern, Mild, Nonkul, Off, and P’Jennie all did fabulous jobs portraying their respective characters. Baifern as Ying Ying and Mild as Noina completely stole the show as they should have. Their chemistry and sisterhood just felt so heartwarming. Baifern’s performance as Yingying was amusing, genuine, and endearing. You’ll also love Mild as Noina since she’s adorable and funny, even if she is a touch whiny! Mild and Baifern both killed some of the most poignant sequences near the end. Ployphat, who plays Wisa, is another actress who deserves to be recognised. Ployphat performed Wisa flawlessly, giving her a love-hate character, which is difficult to achieve.

Overall Opinion

We all stan a good female-centric drama and that is exactly what “46 Days” delivers. The drama lived up to its hype and made a cliche setting work perfectly. The show is entertaining and balances the elements of comedy and romance well. It has its fair share of issues but to make an overall opinion is something to be left up to the user.