Nabi Character Set-Up (23 June 21)

 

I spoke before about how the camera work in Nevertheless shows how Nabi gets attracted to questionable men, by highlighting the physicality of her interactions with Jaeeon, Ep 1 also gives us further insight into our protagonists, ways that I think set her up pretty well. 

The show makes it clear that NB meets JE the day of her break up, and though she realises that she shouldn’t be drawn to him, she still allows him to spend time with her. Her vulnerability is highlighted by her confusion, and we see this in the context of her recent breakup. 

She doesn’t seem to have the will to enforce boundaries. Soon she learns that he uses touch to get get near women and even sees him kissing someone.  From NB's discomfort, we can infer that the show does not condone such behaviors, neither does it shy away from portraying them. 

To an extent, it does make me want to reach into the screen and save NB. But the reality is that if you’re caught in such a situation, people can try to save you, but you’re gonna have to grow and learn on your own. And that I believe, is the premise of the show. 

Also NB is well-liked both by her peers and her juniors, but seems to lack adult mentors. And I find that somewhat true to life. I teach uni students, and some students can be mature with mature friendship groups, some have solid mentor figures, or parents who give good advice, but some do just rely on friends who lack life experience and give conflicting advice. This is shown twice on the show. Once, when she shows two friends the sculpture. One finds it completely unacceptable, one finds it to be a show of care. 

Also her tutors at the uni - one tells her that it’s hard to find someone you find an instant connection with, and that it must be love. Another asks her if it’s lust cheekily, but then tells her that cheaters are bad. 

NB, faced with conflicting thoughts and contradicting opinions, finds herself thinking that she doesn’t believe in fate, but there must be something more than coincidence with her meeting with JE. 

The ones who are supposed to be adult role models in her life are also not so supportive or downright trash. We see a scene with her professor who is well-meaning, but who is dismissive of her dreams, making her feel embarrassed. 

Then there’s her ex, who is supposed to be her teacher, but uses his position of power to gaslight her. I believe these two people play some part in NB’s self-esteem. Contrary to callous treatment, NB finds out that JE is the guy who wanted to have drinks with her first. 

Coming out of a relationship where she was treated as trash, JE’s attentiveness must be alluring. Multiple times NB remarks on how “fun” their interactions are, and it could be, given how her prior relationship was one where she was strictly controlled. 

In these ways the show does a good job of showing the combination of factors that could lead to her ignoring the signs in JE, but without condemning NB as a person. I find it fresh, and I would love to see her thoughts develop as her relationship with JE progresses. 



doramaticbites

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