Doona! – REVIEW
Image: Supplied/ Doo-na (left) and Won-jun (right) from Doona!
Netflix series 2023, directed by Lee Jung-hyo. A romantic drama
Review by Jill Livingstone
Story
Lee Doo-na (Bae Suzy) is a K-pop idol who’s walked away from her career
after a kind of breakdown.
Moving into a share house, she explodes into the life of the genuine but hesitant Lee
Won-jun (Yang Se-jong), who’s shocked by her outspoken and streetwise behaviour.
Despite their rocky start, they develop a friendship that turns into a relationship, which sees him overcome his
reluctance and her break out of her protective shell.
Should I watch?
This short series – 9 episodes of 45 minutes – maximises every
scene in a beautifully polished production by the director of CLOY.
It’s a realistic storyline about two 21-year-olds, one a survivor with abandonment
issues and one who’s been serious and responsible his whole life.
While there are a few of the obligatory K drama scenes including cherry blossoms, hospital visits, and claw machines, overall this drama has no plot contrivances.
Instead, its excellent script and direction keep the viewer totally engaged with the
ebbs and flows of the central relationship.
Every scene in the drama counts, and along the way, there’s subtle hints and markers
about what Won-jun and Doo-na individually think will make for a happy and
satisfying life.
Each has a distinct and unwavering character that grows thanks to the other as they
learn to overcome fear, hesitancy, and loneliness. The couple’s physical
chemistry is off the scale, and their verbal interactions are often insightful and moving
with Doo-na forcing Won-jun to express his emotions so there are no frustrating
misunderstandings.
The series has a tantalisingly ambiguous ending, but close watchers will pick up the
hints and markers along the way – probably best not the skip the intros of each
episode!
Verdict
Bittersweet, beautifully acted and created, and eminently rewatchable. One
of the year’s best for me.
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