Cutie Pie – Series Review & Ending Explained

Kuea has been childhood friends with Lian for many years. Kuea comes from a wealthy Thai family, while Lian is a Chinese immigrant with humble roots. Despite their different backgrounds, their grandfathers are close acquaintances. Lian's entire family feels indebted to Kuea's grandpa, who generously helped them with their business venture. The start-up has grown into a thriving company, thanks to the initial financial investment from their benefactor.

Years ago, Kuea's grandpa expressed a desire for his grandson and Lian to marry each other. Although not legal in Thailand, he wanted their two families to have a close connection via this arranged marriage. Before the grandfather passed away, Lian promised he would take care of Kuea forever. Since then, Lian and Kuea have become engaged. Both men respect the grandfather's dying wish and intend to get married in the future.

Kuea is a university student who loves music and motorcycles. Although Kura studies automotive engineering, he lies to his family about specializing in computer engineering instead. In addition, Kuea also performs indie music under his secret stage identity, Kirin. He is famous in clubs and has earned a fan following. However, Kuea is secretive about his engineering studies and music career. Kuea wants his family to believe he's an obedient child leading a respectable life.

Kuea is smitten with his fiancé. Every week, they go on dates to strengthen their relationship. Kuea acts well-mannered and maintains an agreeable demeanour. Deep down, he's moody, irritable, and rebellious. Yet, Kuea wants to make a positive impression and compromises his real personality in front of Lian. Kuea is only comfortable being himself around his best friend, Diao. Coincidentally, Diao is dating Lian's best friend and business partner, Yi.

Lian is mature, intelligent, ambitious, and sophisticated. He manages the family business, including a popular nightclub. Unlike his younger love interest, Lian doesn't seem enthusiastic about their relationship. The truth is Lian finds his partner dull and docile, although he still wants to marry Kuea out of family obligations. However, he admits to having no real romantic feelings, which breaks his fiancé's heart. During a heated confrontation, Kuea cries and calls off the engagement.

Cutie Pie stands out because of its polished presentation. This BL drama has a glamorous aesthetic, dazzling me with its premium production quality. The upscale surroundings, chic wardrobe, and glossy cinematography create a luxurious ambiance. Every scene looks bright and vibrant, but it shines the most during the romantic encounters. The steamy exchanges are brimming with style, sophistication, and sensuality. If we judge Cutie Pie based on packaging, it gets top marks for exuding a contemporary flair.

This series has an unusual premise because most people wouldn't associate arranged marriages and gay couples together. My first reaction is that Cutie Pie takes a plot meant for two heterosexual leads and forces it onto a BL narrative. However, I changed my mind and learned to appreciate its bold rebellion against conventional norms. The protagonist insists on marrying his same-sex partner, defying the naysayers who question the validity of their union. Cutie Pie takes a decisive stance on gay marriage and endorses powerful LGBT messages, earning my respect.

The premiere begins with an intense exchange where Lian insults his docile fiancé. Their relationship collapses afterwards, and the rest of the series is dedicated to the leads rebuilding their bond. Initially, I looked forward to Kuea's journey of self-empowerment. I tolerated his immature behaviour in the early episodes, assuming he'll grow as a person. Instead, his character regresses and constantly frustrates me with his stupidity. Kuea comes across as a spoiled rich bimbo with vapid thoughts. He's like the BL interpretation of an oblivious trophy husband.

I hate how Lian meddles with Kuea's life behind his back. Lian restricts his partner's autonomy by imposing constant surveillance, financial control, and intrusive boundaries in their living arrangement. He manipulates his naive fiancé, treating Kuea like a subservient puppet. Superficially, I celebrate their physical affections and passionate kisses. Nonetheless, I'm disturbed by the uncomfortable power dynamics in this toxic romance. Between Kuea's childish antics and Lian's domineering personality, the pairing doesn't work because I find both leads detestable.

Cutie Pie features a charming and attractive cast. Lian's character is tailor-made for his actor (Zee), who seems so convincing in this role. He carries a confident swagger, looks suave in his sharp suits, and mesmerizes me with those smouldering eyes. This series perfectly showcases his star power, proving why he's leading man material. The rest of the cast is okay, but you can differentiate between the seasoned veterans and the inexperienced newbies. Some performers are weaker than others, not showing much range beyond a few standard expressions.

I have a love-hate relationship with Cutie Pie, a polarizing series that leaves me conflicted. I'm annoyed by the messy narrative, awful characters, and loathsome romances. The last few episodes are exasperating, and I roll my eyes at the ridiculous turn of events. Despite its flaws, this BL drama is still enjoyable with sleek production values and thrilling sexual tension. The bottom line is I find the story campy, provocative, and stupidly fun. While I don't endorse the problematic tropes, Cutie Pie is an entertaining guilty pleasure that makes a memorable impression.