Drama Digest
Quarantine Stories is an anthology of unrelated stories showcased in 10 episodes that focuses on relationships during the months of the pandemic-induced quarantine days. In the days of social distancing and heightened fear, this series draws pictures of people beginning, rekindling, tackling, and putting ends to relationships. Nine of the ten episodes are filmed in a video chat format, with the actors performing their parts in different locations, presumably from where they were quarantining at that point in time.
The Feel-Good Part
The pandemic has brought us enough content centered around the challenges of quarantining, but Quarantine Stories dazzles in this category with its beautiful investigation of human behavior. The series is inclusive, and the viewers can find romance (both heterosexual and homosexual), comedy, friendship, etc. The actors deliver natural performances that make them look like ordinary people, which is very intentional on the director’s part. Each episode provides one with relatable characters who start feeling like friends, and that is a feat, considering that an episode runs for a brief 20 minutes.
The Disappointing Factor
Honestly, this light-hearted watch has very few flaws. The writing could have been stronger in a few parts. Some episodes are more interesting than the others, which may result in someone losing interest in the series, unaware of the potential in the next one. It also falls into the category of a one-time watch because although the format does suit the intense quarantine norms during the first wave of Covid-19, it might feel tedious.
In-Depth Analysis
Quarantine Stories is a blithe anthology exploring human relationships with the pandemic hanging like a threat over everyone’s head. The inclusivity in the series and the diversity of genres spread out over the episodes make sure that there is something for everyone. The unrelated episodes make sure that if a theme does not suit your tastes, you can easily skip it. The series banks on the emotions most commonly felt in times of isolation, and several of episodes revolve around the feelings of loneliness, fear, paranoia and survivor’s guilt. The production and direction are smart enough to drive the punchlines home.
There is no glaring flaw in this series, and that is saying a lot since a lot of the stuff built around the pandemic tends to be dramatic and out of touch. This series, however, holds its ground.
Star Power
The cast do an excellent job, considering the situation the episodes were filmed in; they rarely let the abnormality of the situation become an impediment to them displaying their hold over their crafts. Director Kriangkal Vachiratamporn does a fabulous job creating a series that keeps the viewer engrossed in these trying times.
Overall Opinion
Quarantine Stories should be your pick if you want to watch something light-hearted that explores genuine relationship dynamics working in life in quarantine and does not excessively dramatize everything.
