In recent months, Thailand has emerged as a prominent source of compelling content, with standout productions like Delete and 6ixtynin9 gaining attention.
Adding to this wave of creativity is Analog Squad, the latest Thai series to hit Netflix.
A poignant and emotionally resonant creation, this series unfolds across eight episodes, each running for an equally immersive hour.
But does Analog Squad make the most of its extended runtime? Here is my review.
Analog Squad Synopsis
A son creates a fake family to meet his ailing father after twenty years. His goal is to let him pass in peace. But what goes around comes around as human feelings fall in the way of an in-and-out acting job.
Directed by Nithiwat Tharatorn, the series features Nopachai Jayanama (Pond), Namfon Kullanot (Lilly), Krissanapoom Pibulsonggram (Keg), Prim Patnasiri (Bung), Surasee Ithikul (Kew), Viyada Komarakul-nanakorn (Sodsai), Yoko Takano (Pupae), and Kasab Champadib (Ruk).
What Works for Analog Squad?
Upon entering a new show, one often forms initial impressions about its potential trajectory.
Initially, Analog Squad struck me as a dull series after the first episode. However, it swiftly dispelled my reservations.
My initial perception was based on its conceptual premise: Pond hires three individuals to portray his wife, son, and daughter in front of his ailing father during his final moments.
His sole wish is for his father to meet his grandchildren one last time before passing away.
Yet, as fate would have it, the narrative takes unexpected turns, blurring the lines between fake relationships and genuine emotions.
Ideas like these are not uncommon.
What’s of significance is the determination of the creators to take it beyond the limits. As a viewer, you may see a saturation point of a story like this.
But Analog Squad pushes this ‘certainty level’ and evolves the tale; hence, generating an experience to remember.
It’s filled with loads of natural warmth that builds on you as the series progresses. The wholly real-life ambiance gets sturdier when family affection, human relationships, and nostalgic gadgets find space in the narrative.
Yes, you read that right.
Analog Squad is set in the backdrop of 1999-2000 when messages used to be communicated via pagers, computers looked like a box, and people, mostly Americans (pun intended), thought the world would end on Jan 1, 2000, the new millennium.
The makers have taken note of the major economic challenges of that time and used them to fuel the story.
Also, by focusing on individual lives and eventually connecting them with the group of protagonists, Analog Squad gains a lot of depth, which leads to its biggest plus point of bringing some immensely endearing moments to the fore.
Moreover, the gentle background score plays a subtle role in maintaining a consistent charm. I think the sweet spot of the Thai show is its portrayal of family cohesion.
It never goes overboard or becomes superficial.
The jovial scenes towards the end contribute significantly to the show’s wholesome value, leaving viewers with a sense of having been part of the characters’ transformative journeys.
In terms of impact, Analog Squad succeeds in delivering a truly wonderful and memorable viewing experience.
How are the Performances?
Nopachai Jayanama, a seasoned presence in Thai cinema, takes on the role of Pond in Analog Squad, breaking away from the conventional hero archetype.
His character’s departure from traditional traits adds a unique and refined dimension to the narrative.
Nopachai’s adept use of pauses in dialogue, coupled with his stoic expressions, ameliorates his outing in Analog Squad.
His sheer brilliance in grounding himself for the sake of the rest of the actors makes you fall in love with his skills.
Namfon Kullanot as Lilly is warm and endearing in Analog Squad. She navigates the plot with her screen intelligence, which allows her to pounce at the right time.
Some moments work solely because Namfon does something out of the ordinary without getting materialistically pretentious.
Krissanapoom Pibulsonggram portrays Keg. He has an animated existence in the series. Full of energy and childlike zest, he produces a lovable demeanor.
Also, the actor’s impromptu humor and quick meandering enrich the mood with light-heartedness.
Prim Patnasiri is Bung in Analog Squad. She accomplishes great highs while being part of the Thai series.
She is affable and notorious, but, most importantly, Prim is determined enough to understand the emotional quotient of her character.
What Doesn’t Work for Analog Squad?
The start could have been better. It kind of reeks of blandness. Acing the first hour can work as the cherry on the cake, which isn’t the case with Analog Squad.
Secondly, the show has a slow pace.
Though the speed aligns with the genre, a dull screenplay plays spoilsport, further aggravating the tumbling happenings.
I doubt many would be able to finish this Thai series in one go. Apart from this, nothing is bothersome.
Stream or Skip?
Analog Squad is a beautiful show that must be watched despite the very few shortcomings.
Consider increasing the speed and put it at maybe 1.25x or 1.5x to avoid lethargy.
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