Watch The Judgement

The Judgement, a 2018 drama series from Netflix, is a gripping portrayal of social and psychological conflict on a university campus, underlined by a tragic event that shakes its foundation. The story revolves around Lookkaew, a university student who appears to lead a normal life but is grappling with invisible traumas.

The series unfolds within the confines of an ordinary university terrain but digs deep into extraordinary issues such as bullying, gender discrimination, victim blaming, and the traumatic aftermath of a personal tragedy. It depicts a society where the amplification of individual existences through social media can often lead to disastrous consequences, serving both as a mirror and a catalyst of the discord between reality and digital life.

The show's protagonist, Lookkaew, is a successful university student and a budding artist who carries an untold secret from her past. Being part of a group of university friends, her life takes a tragic turn when she becomes the victim of an unforeseen event, compelling her to stand up against the unjust societal norms and institutionally endorsed patterns of behavior.

The Judgement delves into existential complexities faced by youth in contemporary society. It grabs viewers' attention from the start, dissecting the university's social milieu through Lookkaew's lens, which paints a harmonic image hiding a tumultuous disorder.

The series does an exceptional job of delving into pressing societal issues through its characters. Lookkaew, the protagonist, is more than a victim; she is representative of many who have been subjected to similar circumstances. She embodies the struggle against a deeply entrenched victim-blaming culture that prevails in many societies.

Other than Lookkaew, the show seamlessly weaves an intricate tapestry of varied characters, each contributing to the overall narrative. These include Aud, Lookkaew's best friend who is struggling with issues of her own, and Yos, the football team captain, who turns out to play a significant role in the story. Each character has unique traits, flaws, and personal battles, making the narrative engaging and relatable.

One of the series' strong points lies in its exploration of both the brutality and the subtleties of everyday power struggles. While at first glance, the narrative may resemble a typical youth drama, it goes beyond that by vividly portraying the implications of societal pressure and the importance of speaking out against injustice. It also uncovers how social media is sometimes used as a weapon in the hands of the perpetrators, to further instigate violence and discrimination.

Netflix's The Judgement walks the tightrope between reality and fiction, pushing the boundaries of conventional understandings of right and wrong. This TV drama paves the way for pertinent conversations around silence and consent, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of societal expectations and justice systems.

On a technical front, the show is furnished with crisp cinematography, melancholic music, and a tight script, engrossing the viewers deeper into the drama of the characters' lives. The cast delivers powerful performances, which align beautifully with the context, adding a raw charm to the series. The series also flashes back and forth between present events and hidden pasts, adding a psychological dimension that keeps viewers guessing.

The show's innate ability to appeal to a wide audience comes from its fearless representation of the society we live in. Its portrayal of human psychology and emotions is relatable across cultures, making it a universally appealing show.

In conclusion, The Judgement is a thought-provoking series that champions the pathway for a new genre of university-based drama. It marries complex narratives with excellent performances to bring out a deeply moving series that is relevant in the current social climate. It definitely deserves a spot on the watch list for its compelling narrative, exceptional performances, and its effort to put spotlight on critical societal issues. It is sure to leave audiences pondering over the aftermath of each episode, thereby making watching The Judgement not just an act of viewer’s engagement but also a call to social introspection.