delphi: An illustrated crow kicks a little ball of snow with a contemplative expression. (Default)
[personal profile] delphi
Continuing the queer short film recs, thanks to [personal profile] muscle_wizard sharing this one in my last post:



An older woman with a crush on someone in her circle approaches her younger co-worker for advice on how to ask out another woman for the first time. This really got me—charming and moving at the same time.

Cosmetic Playlover Season 2 (2025)

Mar. 20th, 2026 08:24 pm
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[personal profile] reviews_and_ramblings
 It’s a bit of a letdown when a series captures the aesthetics and the heart of the manga perfectly—the casting and the vibe were spot on—but then decides to hit the "mute" button on the physical chemistry. In Cosmetic Playlover Season 1 and even more in Cosmetic Playlover Season 2 (2025) there is a massive shift in tone from the source material. The manga by Sachi Narashima is known for its high-tension, explicit intimacy that serves as a cornerstone of Natsume and Sahashi’s relationship development. Moreover, when a BL drama moves into a second season or a sequel movie, production companies pivot toward a "sweeter" or more "mainstream" romance to appeal to broader international broadcast standards. The "separation arc" is the biggest offender here. From a narrative standpoint, if two people are about to be apart for two years, the biological and emotional urgency usually translates to more than a polite "see ya later" kiss. Even if the "heat" was non-existent, the production value stayed high: The "cosmetic" setting remained sleek and professional. The side characters actually felt like people rather than just plot devices to keep the leads apart. The actors clearly have the chemistry; it’s just a shame the script didn't let them use it. If Season 1 was a spicy latte, Season 2 felt more like a lukewarm chamomile tea. It’s comforting and pretty to look at, but it won’t give you that buzz you were expecting from the manga. Watch it for the closure and the fluff, but keep the manga chapters nearby if you want the actual "Playlover" energy. HEA. Watch on Gagaoolala. Heat Level: 2/6.



Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds
delphi: An illustrated crow kicks a little ball of snow with a contemplative expression. (Default)
[personal profile] delphi
Dandelion is a very sweet short film starring Ava Lalezarzadeh as Margaret, a queer teen in the foster care system in the 1970s, and Vic Michaelis as Joyce, the volunteer trying to find her a new placement after she's kicked out of convent school. The short's a lovely standalone, but I was really happy to hear it's being made into a full-length movie!

Therapy (2025)

Mar. 18th, 2026 08:19 pm
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[personal profile] reviews_and_ramblings
 With Therapy (2025) I have experienced the specific brand of chaos that only a STRONGBERRY production can deliver. They’ve always been the "indie rebels" of the K-BL world, but Therapy definitely pushed their reputation for "mature themes" into a territory that felt more like a marathon than a movie. When a studio known for short, artistic films tries to tackle a "sex therapy" plot, the line between "prestige cinema" and "unintentional comedy" gets very thin, very fast. Sincerely it felt like "too much". In most dramas, physical intimacy is the payoff. In Therapy, it’s the default. When the "therapy" sessions consist of 95% heavy breathing and 5% actual talking, the emotional stakes start to evaporate. Because the actors (U Gyo especially) have to maintain such high-intensity "passion" for long stretches, the dialogue often becomes secondary, leading to those hilariously awkward transitions where they go from being basically strangers to... well, the bed (or the floor or the table or... well you have the idea). STRONGBERRY usually excels at high-quality cinematography, which almost makes the "soft porn" vibe feel weirder. The lighting is beautiful, the framing is professional, but the content is so relentless that it feels like a high-budget parody of itself. It’s "unwillingly hilarious" because it takes itself so seriously while the plot is essentially a revolving door of excuses for the leads to lose their shirts. That card is the ultimate "choose your own adventure" trope. Depending on how you viewed Hui Su’s character: The card contains a personal number or a "private session" invite that implies they are moving beyond the professional/patient boundary into a real relationship. It’s just a referral to a real therapist, implying that their "sessions" were just a chaotic detour. It’s a literal blank card, symbolizing that their future is whatever "therapy" they decide to invent next. It’s a 2025 time capsule of "How much can we get away with?" It’s perfect for a "watch-party" where you can laugh at the absurdity, but as a romance, it’s a bit of a hollow shell. HEA (maybe). Watch on Gagaoolala. Heat Level: 6/6.



Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

Love in the Moonlight (2025)

Mar. 17th, 2026 06:41 pm
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[personal profile] reviews_and_ramblings
 Love in the Moonlight is a period BL drama that has quickly earned a reputation for being a "masterpiece of melodrama." Produced by One31, it blends the high-stakes tropes of a traditional Thai lakorn with a deeply emotional queer narrative. Set in 1963, the story follows Prince Saenkaew (Peak Peemapol), who is sent from the fictional kingdom of Sariangkham to Bangkok to enter an arranged marriage with Pinanong (Perth Veerinsara). The goal: to secure his family's assets amidst political turmoil. The twist? Pinanong’s cousin, Sasin (Pearl Satjakorn), is deeply skeptical of the Prince’s intentions. What begins as a tense clash evolves into a secret, high-stakes romance that forces both men to choose between their hearts and their duty to their families. The series is to be praised for its high production value and emotional depth. The show feels more like a movie than a TV series. The use of 1960s heritage houses, vintage cars, and "moonlit" lighting creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Peak Peemapol's portrayal of Prince Saenkaew captures the nuance of a man crushed by unhealed trauma and the heavy burden of "apologizing for simply existing." The dynamic between Pearl (Sasin) and Peak (Saenkaew) is intense and palpable. Their connection—built on small, stolen moments like balcony music and longing glances—is the show's strongest asset. Unlike many BLs where the female lead is sidelined, Perth Veerinsara's character, Pin, is the "beating heart" of the show. Her journey of dealing with betrayal and seeking agency in a restricted society adds a layer of realism and pain that I found surprisingly moving. If you enjoy the emotional intensity of shows like To Sir, With Love (Khun Chai), you will love this. However, it does lean heavily into melodrama. Expect: Evil, overbearing fathers. Tragic plot twists and frequent crying. Highly convenient (and sometimes predictable) plot movements. By the final episode (Episode 12), the heavy angst and family politics are finally resolved. Love in the Moonlight is a beautifully crafted, tragic period piece that elevates the BL genre through stellar acting and lush production. It is a "must-watch" for fans of historical dramas and high-stakes romance. HEA. You can watch on GagaOOLala. Heat Level: 3/6.



Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

delphi: An illustrated crow kicks a little ball of snow with a contemplative expression. (Default)
[personal profile] delphi
Fandom 50 #4

Continuing my list of fifty Canadian songs I love from the past fifty years, how could I kick off the '80s and not go for some pulpy lesbian new wave?

High School Confidential by Rough Trade
delphi: An illustrated crow kicks a little ball of snow with a contemplative expression. (Default)
[personal profile] delphi
The first season of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy just wrapped up, and man, that was a season of television that did my heart good.

I didn't initially think this show was going to be for me. Hopefully it goes without saying that this wasn't for any of the range of awful reasons people have wanted to hang a grievance or grift on it. Media with protagonists in their teens and twenties just usually aren't my thing, and so while I was glad to see Trek branching out, I went in aware I wasn't the target audience and figured I'd watch an episode or two to see if any of the older characters appealed to me.

Well, they definitely did. Free-spirited, complex, centuries-old school chancellor Nahla Ake might be my favourite character I've met this year. I am in love with her. The Doctor (from Voyager) and Jett Reno (from Discovery) are both back in supporting roles with some really wonderful scenes, and Jett has a hot and hilarious Klingon/Jem'Hadar wife (Lura Thok) who is definitely worth moving across the galaxy for.

But to my surprise, I also really love the kids! Not all the moments landed for me, but I ended up legitimately invested in their coming-of-age stories and journey into becoming a little family. I don't want to spoil some of the things I loved, but I am always here for mentorship, adoptive parent-child relationships, and queer romance, and I wasn't disappointed. Add in some good solid science fiction and a lot of classic Trek optimism and belief in the work of building a better world, and this was exactly what I needed right now. My only real complaint is that it was such a short season.

(no subject)

Mar. 16th, 2026 07:13 pm
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[personal profile] boxofdelights
Tilda is a Hungry Thing. She had an allergic inflammation in her ear, which led to seven days of Apoquel (wrapped in a tiny bit of cheese) twice a day, and then seven days of Apoquel once a day. Today is the first day she _didn't_ get the Apoquel after dinner. She has been following me around giving me this LOOK ever since.
Hungry Thing )
[personal profile] voidbeetles posting in [community profile] little_details
Hi!

I have a character in a sci-fi universe who ends up "shipwrecked" alone on a completely uninhabited planet for two years. The planet, and the specific environment he lands in, are perfectly habitable by humans (we are in soft scifi territory here, very Star Trek inspired) and he's able to survive with some effort. (The details of how are not really important to the story - I know at least that he's the kind of guy who'd be able to salvage some tech and emergency supplies from his wrecked ship, and I'm comfortable with brushing past the details of what exactly he brought with him - but if anyone's really interested in coming at it from that logistical angle, I won't stop you!)

What is more relevant to the story is how this experience would continue to affect him by the time he's back home safely. I think there are a bunch of possible avenues here and I'd love to see people's takes on how they would approach this or approach researching it. For example, here are some of my cursory thoughts:
  • PTSD is certainly a likely long-term complication
  • It's implied that his shipwrecking was not an accident/was engineered maliciously - I imagine this is something he has dwelt on heavily throughout the two years and will affect his ability to trust people (and to visit other uninhabited planets in the future!). Seems like it would be easy to get caught in delusional spirals in a situation like that.
  • I know that prolonged isolation can cause hallucination/psychosis in some cases, especially in solitary confinement, sensory deprivation contexts, etc. Is that as much of a risk in this case? And if so, do you think he'd still be experiencing psychotic symptoms after the fact?
  • One of his personality traits is that he's fairly attention-seeking - I think it's likely this incident will exacerbate that and make him more desperate for connection
  • It'll probably alter how he approaches social situations in the future in general; that's something I'll definitely be thinking about
  • Perhaps he got into the habit of talking to himself on the planet, and this never went away
mark: A photo of Mark kneeling on top of the Taal Volcano in the Philippines. It was a long hike. (Default)
[staff profile] mark posting in [site community profile] dw_maintenance

Happy Saturday!

I'm going to be doing a little maintenance today. It will likely cause a tiny interruption of service (specifically for www.dreamwidth.org) on the order of 2-3 minutes while some settings propagate. If you're on a journal page, that should still work throughout!

If it doesn't work, the rollback plan is pretty quick, I'm just toggling a setting on how traffic gets to the site. I'll update this post if something goes wrong, but don't anticipate any interruption to be longer than 10 minutes even in a rollback situation.

Khemjira (2025)

Mar. 14th, 2026 09:27 am
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[personal profile] reviews_and_ramblings
 Khemjira (2025) blends intense Thai folklore and horror with a romance that feels earned. The romance in Khemjira is a slow burn rooted in fate and past lives. The Main Couple (Pharan & Khem)'s dynamic is built on "Master/Protector and Cursed Student." Pharan (the shaman) is initially cold and resistant to helping Khem because he wants to avoid karmic entanglements. This creates a lot of "stolen glances" and high-tension moments. I found the lead, Khem, a bit passive at first, but their chemistry is tender yet intense. I found the Side Couple (Charn & Jet)'s romance even harder than the main leads. They provide a lot of the show's heart and comedic relief, balancing out the dark, supernatural themes. The sex scenes are high quality. They aren't just for fan service; they are usually used to show a deeper emotional connection or a turning point in the relationship. Despite the heavy themes of death, curses, and vengeful spirits, the series concludes on a very positive note: Khem manages to survive his 21st birthday, effectively breaking the generational curse. Both the main couple and the secondary couple end up together. The finale (which is nearly 2 hours long) provides a very satisfying "life after the drama" look. In fact, the show goes further than many BLs by showing them living a happy, domestic life together—even hinting at a future with a family. HEA. Watch on iQIYI. Heat Level: 5/6.



Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

delphi: A carton of fresh blueberries. (blueberries)
[personal profile] delphi
Fandom 50 #3

Continuing my list of fifty Canadian songs I love from the past fifty years, 1979's is one that's probably popped into my head at least one morning a week since I was five:

Wondering Where the Lions Are by Bruce Cockburn
hyarrowen: (Swan)
[personal profile] hyarrowen posting in [community profile] little_details
For large-scale projects, specifically for ships. All my ship-related resources for the era are for the British Navy, and books on colour that I've read have been on artists' paints or dyes.

How would a French Imperial Navy vessel be painted, not at one of the big shipyards? Would it be mixed up on site from raw ingredients, or bought in? Would there be barrels, buckets with lids, cannisters, vats or what - and what would the paint be made of? 

Searching online produces info on painting scale models, or contemporary pictures of ships. I found a chapter on ship decoration in Conway's History of the Ship: The Line of Battle but that doesn't have the early-in-the-process details I want. I found an article on the pre-Revolutionary Navy in the International Journal of Maritime History, by David Plouviez, that's too early and still doesn't cover paint.

Thank-you in advance.
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[personal profile] reviews_and_ramblings
 If you’re looking for a Thai BL that breaks the "engineering students in love" mold, Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart! is a high-octane breath of fresh air. Produced by the lead actors’ own company (YWPB), this series feels like a passion project that actually had the budget and talent to back it up. The story follows Joker (War Wanarat), a suave, Robin Hood-style thief who steals from the corrupt to help the poor, and Jack (Yin Anan), a former taekwondo athlete turned reluctant debt collector. Their lives collide in a whirlwind of heists, betrayal, and a five-year gap that transforms Jack from a sweet, optimistic youth into a hardened, stoic man. The chemistry between War and Yin is legendary for a reason. They don't just "act" like a couple; they have a natural, intense pull that makes the slow-burn romance feel earned. The story is a rare blend of action, crime thriller, and comedy. One moment you’re watching a high-stakes heist, and the next, Joker is in a ridiculous disguise making you laugh. Unlike many "fluff" BLs, this show dives into the cyclical nature of poverty, generational debt, and the corruption of the wealthy elite. From the fight choreography to the authenticity of the sets (like Jack’s actual house vs. a studio set), the quality is top-tier. The romance is a "circular" journey. It starts with a sweet, youthful crush in their teenage years, which is then shattered by betrayal. After a five-year time skip, the dynamic becomes a tense game of cat-and-mouse. Jack is cold and hardened, while Joker is desperate to earn back Jack’s trust. If you’ve seen their previous work (Love Mechanics), you know they specialize in "angsty" chemistry. The intimate scenes aren't just for fan service; they feel heavy with emotion. War has a way of looking at Yin that makes you feel the five years of longing. It is worth noting that the actors themselves have described the show as an "action drama with a gay love story" rather than a pure romance. "It's not just about them spending all on-screen time together... it's about their journey as individuals who happen to be in love." The Special Episode released in early 2025 has a massive, unexpected cliffhanger. If you're a fan of happy, closed endings, proceed with caution! It’s easily one of the most ambitious Thai BLs in recent years. It proves that when actors take creative control, they can deliver something much deeper than the usual tropes. Watch on iQIYI. Heat Level: 4/6.



Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

delphi: An illustrated crow kicks a little ball of snow with a contemplative expression. (Default)
[personal profile] delphi
Another theatrical streaming plug:

The pro-shot of The Importance of Being Earnest, starring Ncuti Gatwa, Sharon D. Clarke, and Hugh Skinner, will be streaming on Youtube from March 12th to 18th!



A bit from the show:



National Theatre at Home has been one of my favourite streaming services for a long time now, with the way it bring UK theatre to someone like me (not in the UK, also not living in a place that gets much in the way of touring shows), and I'm really happy they're releasing this one for free on a bigger platform.

Goddess Bless You from Death (2025)

Mar. 11th, 2026 02:14 pm
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[personal profile] reviews_and_ramblings
 Goddess Bless You from Death is a BL drama, but it is not a traditional lighthearted romance. Instead, it is a gritty supernatural horror-thriller that features a romantic storyline between the two leads. If you are looking for a show that is 100% focused on dating and "fluff," this might surprise you with its intensity. Unlike many BLs where the plot serves the romance, here the romance often serves the plot. The show is known for its high production quality in the horror department—expect blood, gore, black magic, and genuine scares. Detective Singha (Pavel Naret) investigates a series of ritualistic murders. His only witness is Thup (Pooh Krittin), a young man who can see ghosts. It’s a "forced proximity" trope where Singha takes Thup under his wing to protect him from being framed, leading to a slow-burn connection. The shift from "gory horror" to "sweet romance" can be jarring for some. Is the romance good? Yes, but it’s a different "flavor" than the leads' previous work together (Pit Babe). The relationship develops naturally through the trauma of the investigation. Pavel and Pooh have strong established chemistry, but the "skinship" (intimacy) is more restrained and focused on emotional support and protection rather than constant explicit scenes. I praise the leads for having a healthy, communicative relationship compared to the toxicity often found in the genre. The mystery is genuinely engaging and creepy, but I feel it drags slightly in the middle. Pavel Naret is to be praised for his role as a serious cop, but if you watch a lot of crime dramas, you might guess the killer early on. Excellent use of Thai folklore and religious rituals. If you enjoy shows like Manner of Death or Not Me—where there is a heavy plot involving crime or social issues—you will likely love this. If you are sensitive to horror or just want a cozy love story, you might find the "corpse-of-the-week" vibe a bit much. HEA. Watch on iQIYI. Heat Level: 3/6.



Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

The Joy Who Lived

Mar. 10th, 2026 07:59 pm
delphi: An illustrated crow kicks a little ball of snow with a contemplative expression. (Default)
[personal profile] delphi
If anyone's interested in checking out some queer comedy theatre with a slate of great trans and gnc performers:

The Joy Who Lived: March 31st to April 12th

You can find a list of shows by date or you can browse by category. Shows are running both in person in Los Angeles and as live streaming events that are also available to view up to two weeks afterwards. I tuned in a while back for their fundraising show, a chaotic live runthrough of the Ocean's 11 script called Gender Heist, and it was a heck of a good time.
lizvogel: Run and find out, with cute kitten. (Run and Find Out)
[personal profile] lizvogel posting in [community profile] little_details
Okay, I thought I knew science, but after several days of researching this, all I've got is indecision and a headache.

Original fiction, unspecified not-too-far-future time.

My character is the pilot of a small cargo ship in the asteroid belt. (No FTL, no artificial gravity.) Said ship has sufficient radiation shielding to be safe under normal conditions. My idea is that there's an unusually strong solar event (solar flare? coronal mass ejection?), and he has to survive by positioning his ship on the shadowed side of an asteroid (rocks are good shielding), and use his excellent piloting skills to stay there until the storm passes.

1. Does this, theoretically, actually work?

2. I'd like the solar event to be a Coronal Mass Ejection, because some CMEs move relatively slowly, and that gives my character time to make a narratively interesting choice. But is it the CME itself that's hazardous to human life, or a sort of "bow wave" of radiation that precedes it? And if the latter, is that radiation moving at the speed of the CME, or the speed of light? (I keep thinking I have a grasp on this, and then the next source I read contradicts it.)

Guidance appreciated, fellow space enthusiasts!

ETA: Okay, based on comments and additional research the comments inspired, my takeaway is: (1) CMEs can happen with or without accompanying radiation, (2) the stuff in the CME itself is not dangerous to humans, (3) the dangerous-to-humans part of the radiation travels at the speed of light. Which means this story is probably dead; I really needed that longer warning time for the narratively-interesting parts, darn it.

Love Alert (2025)

Mar. 10th, 2026 05:44 pm
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
[personal profile] reviews_and_ramblings
 If you're looking for a drama that perfectly captures the "messy, toxic, but I can't look away" energy, Love Alert (2025) is likely your next obsession—or your biggest frustration. The story follows Jimmy (James Hayward Prescott), a notorious playboy who originally tries to get close to his crush, Plaifah, by befriending his friend, Teh. However, plans shift when he meets the older brother, Toh (Kad Ploysupa). What starts as a manipulative game of spite and hidden agendas turns into a complex, often toxic relationship. Jimmy is a classic "red flag" lead—manipulative and emotionally avoidant—while Toh is the heartbreakingly innocent "doormat" who falls too hard, too fast. James and Kad have undeniable spark, which is why fans stick around despite the toxic plot. The story leans heavily into "angst for the sake of angst." The plot can feel repetitive or frustratingly slow. James Prescott excels at playing the "jerk you want to punch," and Kad captures Toh’s vulnerability well. Best watched once for the drama; too stressful for a casual re-binge. James Prescott has basically mastered the role of the manipulative playboy. If you enjoy watching a character slowly realize they’ve ruined their own life, his performance is top-tier. The drama doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable situations, including "wild" scenes that have gone viral for being incredibly bold (and occasionally ridiculous). I found Fah to be the MVP of the series—the only voice of reason in a sea of questionable choices. Watching Toh constantly forgive Jimmy’s manipulation is genuinely painful. The "groveling" arc for Jimmy’s redemption felt "too little, too late". The show features heavy emotional manipulation, blackmail, and questionable consent, which can be a huge turn-off depending on your triggers. The first half is a slow burn of bad decisions, while the ending feels a bit rushed to reach a resolution. If you enjoy "Toxic BLs" like KinnPorsche (for the intensity) or Only Friends (for the mess), you will probably find this entertaining. However, if you prefer healthy communication and "green flag" romances, this series might actually give you a headache. HEA. Watch on Gagaoolala. Heat Level: 6/6.



Heat Level:
1/6: glances, caress, hugs, no kisses
2/6: kisses, closed mouth or camera angles
3/6: full kisses, clothes on
4/6: full kisses, some clothes off, hands above the waist, pants stay on
5/6: most clothes off, they have sex, but it’s masked, no sexy sounds
6/6: full nudity mostly hidden by camera angles, they have sex, sexy sounds

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