Mixing comedy with family drama, Brother of the Year explores the rivalry between siblings, though its uneven tone keeps it from reaching its full emotional potential.
This Thai romantic dramedy follows Chut (Sunny Suwanmethanont), an immature older brother whose carefree lifestyle collides with his younger sister Jane's (Urassaya Sperbund) ambitions and relationship with her boyfriend Moji (Nichkhun Horvejkul). The central conflict revolves around Chut's struggle to accept change, as his protective instincts mask deeper insecurities about being overshadowed by his sister.
The film's strength lies in its relatability. Many audiences can connect with the messy push-and-pull of sibling dynamics-the love, frustration, and unspoken loyalty that coexist within families. Sunny delivers a charismatic but flawed portrayal of Chut, balancing humor with stubborn immaturity. Urassaya brings emotional depth as Jane, capturing the weight of responsibility and the desire for independence.
Visually, the film employs bright, modern settings that mirror its light comedic moments. However, tonal inconsistency undermines the narrative. The first half leans heavily into slapstick humor, often at the expense of pacing, while the second half shifts toward melodrama, resulting in an uneven emotional payoff. The conclusion, though heartfelt, feels predictable and less impactful than intended.
Ultimately, Brother of the Year entertains through its cast and relatable premise but lacks the narrative cohesion to elevate it beyond light drama.
Rating: 5/10 - A watchable family dramedy with strong performances but hindered by tonal imbalance and predictable storytelling.
