[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Nevertheless" Episode 9

Back in my first review for "Nevertheless" I noted how Na-bi appeared to have a distinct aversion to human faces, an issue that is only solved when Jae-eon enters the story. The ninth episode returns to that form. Jae-eon and Na-bi both have their faces awkwardly obscured in a bar scene where the two manage to not say much of anything at all. Facial aversion also factors into the subplots, with the camerawork hiding faces as necessary to depict emotional distance.

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All of this emphasizes how Na-bi really hasn't gone anywhere. At one point this critique even pops up directly in a metaphor for Na-bi's art, which just isn't very good. Immediately speaking I mean. Na-bi's a decent enough artist. But while her ex in the first episode was able to effectively if selfishly transmute his feelings of their relationship into a sculpture, Na-bi can't do the same for her love affair with Jae-eon despite his direct assistance.

That's because it's just not much of a love affair at all. Na-bi and Jae-eon both are just too objectified. In ones poignant scene, we watch Na-bi honestly discuss the ambivalence of her professional shortfalls with Do-hyeok over the phone. The moment, though minor to Na-bi and Do-hyeok both, hints at an important truth. Do-hyeok may not understand Na-bi's work, but he respects her as a person and is confident in her abilities. He believes in her.

Jae-eon may be an accomplished artist in his own right but can't offer similar comfort to Na-bi. His desperation this episode is palpable. Na-bi has recognized, to her increasing discomfort, that Jae-eon's platitudes are so generic they could apply to nearly anyone. Jae-eon may want Na-bi, but he understands almost nothing about her. The climax is a fantastic miscalculation on his part, as Jae-eon stubbornly continues to see the version of Na-bi that he had the most power over, rather than the one who has been grappling with the unsatisfying subtleties of their relationship.

The remaining subplots move to resolution, working as unusually direct foils here since Na-bi and Jae-eon both discuss their love lives with other characters. For the most part these moments are just cute. Bit-na finally hits the right balance of humility and ego to admit to Gyoo-hyeon that she was being overly selfish with him. I kept expecting that Ji-wan was being skittish over lesbian stuff, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that her diffidence had a much sillier motive.

Review by William Schwartz

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"Nevertheless" is directed by Jang Ji-yeon, Kim Ga-ram, written by Jung Won, and features Han So-hee, Song Kang, Chae Jong-hyeop, Lee Yul-eum, Yang Hye-ji, Kim Min-gwi. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2021/06/19~Now airing, Sat 23:00 on jTBC.