I honestly didn't expect much from this series at first, but it turned out to be pretty decent. The first episode felt kind of vague and confusing, but things started to make sense around episode two, and that's when the thrill kicked in.
The Hidden Moon follows five friends who stay in an old house in Chiang Mai for work but mysteriously can't find their way back to Bangkok. It's the only ghost BL series I've seen so far that actually gave me chills, most others either lean into comedy or end up being overly dramatic. I really liked how the story blends modern-day elements with the old era.
Mas, the main character, has a confusing love-hate dynamic with Khen in the early episodes. At first, he literally tries to kill him, then suddenly starts treating him kindly. His character can be a bit hard to read, and what's even more puzzling is how Khen just quietly goes along with everything. I've seen some people bashing Bing's character, but honestly, I think he's just looking out for his friends and trying to break them out of the loop they're stuck in. He's just expressive and always thinks about their well-being, and I appreciate that. I kind of predicted the plot twist early on, especially when I noticed how Khen couldn't be seen by Mas' friends or family.
As for the chemistry between the leads, it is okay, not super fiery, but not bad either. One of the actors feels a little stiff in some scenes, but this is their first series, so I get it. There's definitely potential there. The pacing is a bit slow in some parts, but I stayed hooked because I'm a sucker for anything historical and supernatural with a touch of romance.
There are a lot of twists in the story, which sometimes felt a bit overwhelming. The subplot involving Khampuan adds to the creepy vibe, but it didn't feel fully connected to the main plot.
The visuals are gorgeous, it has this nostalgic, old-film aesthetic that I really loved. The cinematography actually reminded me of I Feel You Linger in the Air. And the OST? Chef's kiss. It fits the tone of the series perfectly.
What blew my mind is how the series managed to weave together a ghost story, time travel, and even reincarnation by the end in one story. The Hidden Moon definitely has promise. Some scenes could've been executed better, and a few parts were confusing, but overall, it's a solid watch for me.
