Wow wow wow, I was *not* expecting to enjoy this drama as much as I did! Is it perfect? No. But is it superior to a lot of the BL we've been given lately? Very much so. (IMO of course). If it weren't for a few technical issues (questionable green screen, music too loud in some parts, voices too low in others) I probably would have given this a 9 instead of an 8.5*. At any rate, I think it should be rated much higher than the 7.3 it currently has (as of writing this review) and am disappointed to see such a low score.

*You know what? Screw it. I'm giving this a 9. Technical difficulties be damned! It's been a while since I've gushed this much over a BL drama and characters, and I've been so underwhelmed by the releases in this genre lately, so a 9 it shall be!

STORY:
This gave me "the BL industry is high-key problematic" in ways that Lovely Writer (exploring similar themes) did not. I don't want to put LW down, because that drama certainly has its merits, but I really appreciated the overall more realistic, less exaggerated tone that Call It What You Want took, as well as a different branch of the issues these actors may face in this world. It’s no secret that this drama was inspired by real events, and I felt that realness.

I also just enjoyed the unique setting in which this story took place. Much of the story focuses on external toxicity, namely power imbalances and control of actors (and apparently directors!) by the producers/talent agencies (not sure who the antagonist was representing). But we also see a glimpse of the internal, more private struggles that some actors face through the telling of Bas's story. And just when you think this story can’t possibly pull you in any further, bam! They hit you with the plot twist and you’re all up in a different type of feels. The serious topics here are not portrayed in a manner that’s contrite or—and I cannot emphasize this enough—cringey and melodramatic (I’m looking at you opening scene of UWMA). And because of that I remain fully engaged in the story and believe everything I’m told without rolling my eyes. Kudos to the writing, acting, and directing for accomplishing that.

Finally, although the episodes were limited in both number and length, the story felt whole, with very little of what I consider to be filler and fluff. Had I not known a Season 2 was coming, I likely would have felt robbed of both a burgeoning romance between certain characters and further explanation and resolution a very significant plot point. But since we are getting a sequel (hopefully soon!), I’m satisfied with what the director gave us in Season 1. If viewed as the first half of a longer series, I think Call It What You Want was fairly strong in pacing, character and plot development, and setting the stage for what's to come.

ACTING/CAST/CHARACTERS:
Ladies and gentlemen, this--THIS--is how you do romantic tension and chemistry between your two leads. I went in expecting James to be the creepy predator based on the synopsis but was oh so pleasantly surprised to see how sweet and soft he was. Ait--who gave him permission to be that cute!? He had my heart from the very first episode with his bold yet coy flirtations, and I want nothing more than to protect this little marshmallow fluff at all costs. The sweet, shy smiles and secret glances, the tenderness with which they look at and speak to one another--be still my fluttering heart.

I know I’m giving a lot of love to James and Ait (let’s just face it: they’re a huge part of why I love this drama) but I’ve got to give props to my man Michael in his portrayal of Bas. He wasn’t on screen as often as the others, but when he was—nothing short of impressive. Throughout the series, he gave us a mix of lovable nonchalance and worrisome solemnness, and boy did he really shine in the final episode.

Several of the actors here appear (based on their MDL page credits) to be newer to acting, but they delivered lines and conveyed emotions like veterans in the field. Other than a few longer-than-necessary pauses between dialogue in the first couple of episodes, the interactions felt natural and organic. Overall, really great job in selecting the cast for this.

OVERALL:
Ummm 100% recommend. No hesitation. This drama gave me sweet, sweet romance. It gave me substance and plot twists (well, one really big twist). And it gave me solid acting and writing and interesting characters. I was fully invested from beginning to end, and I am now oh so eagerly awaiting Season 2.