Heartbeat Deviation (2024)

Heartwarming, realistically grown romance.

General spoilers only. 9.8/10 so rounding up (I rate vertical dramas on their own sliding scale). A vertically filmed, 3 hour drama that focused on the romantic development and progression between the two leads (instead of relying on crazy plot devices to propell the story).
It felt more grounded and emotionally/psychologically realistic than most vertical dramas. The leads are fabulous. Great actors and amazing chemistry together. A very sweet, romantic story with a touching, healthy, and balanced relationship between the two.

The leads felt like 3-dimensional characters. The FL is gentle and earnest but with a backbone. The ML is calm and competent but with vulnerabilities. They respect and support each other.

It had a slow burn feel but with many butterfly-inducing moments, and was extremely satisfying as a a romance. The two actors have been in multiple short dramas together and are very comfortable with each other. There are a couple kisses and intimate moments that are gentle and realistic. Their scenes together often had me smiling uncontrollably, yet it never became overly saccharine-sweet.

There is a 3rd wheel for the FL (the SML is her ex boyfriend), but the FL never waivers once she dumps him for cheating.

The two things that didn't quite hit the mark for me: 1) The ending felt rushed and some secondary/tertiary characters had a change of heart without the story showing much of their process. 2) Right near the end there was a little bit of the crazy plot clichés that are typical in most vertical dramas and it felt unnecessary.

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