What happens when the roommate you least expect becomes the person you never imagined you'd need?
Yes or No (Yaak Rak Gaw Rak Loey, 2010) is a landmark Thai romantic comedy-drama directed by Sarasawadee Wongsompetch. It follows Pie, a traditionally raised young woman who moves into college dorm life and must share a room with Kim, a "tom" (a tomboy) whose appearance and mannerisms challenge Pie's assumptions. What begins as discomfort evolves into confusion-and eventually, something more tender and complicated.
From a detailed, analytical perspective, Yes or No makes its most effective strides through character transformation and cultural tension. Pie's internal conflict-rooted in family expectations and societal norms-is believable; her journey from prejudice to self-awareness is paced through small gestures: shared meals, late-night conversations, jealousy, and vulnerability. Kim, in contrast, embodies a mix of certainty and uncertainty; her butch identity isn't portrayed as a caricature, but as an integral part of who she is. The screenplay does well to insert conflict not only from within Pie but also from external pressures-friends, family, rumors-that force both women to reckon with what love demands. Cinematography uses light and framing to signify inner world changes: boundaries erode, rooms once divided become shared spaces, and literal and emotional walls fall. The soundtrack and score add a poignant layer, emphasizing scenes of intimacy and longing.
That said, the narrative isn't flawless. Some plot points feel predictable: jealousy arcs, misunderstandings, and finally, confessions follow familiar romantic beats. Additionally, due to its modest budget, specific settings often feel limited, and supporting characters (such as Jane) sometimes exist more to reflect Pie and Kim's growth than to have their own fully developed arcs.
Rating: 6/10. Yes or No succeeds as a gentle, genuine romance exploring identity and love under constraint. Familiar in structure but resonant in feeling-one of Thai cinema's early and essential voices for lesbian relationships.
