Movies: Uranus 2324 (2024) by Thanadol Nualsuth: A Love Beyond Space and Time
- dailyentertainment95
- Sep 17
- 6 min read
A Cosmic Romance of a Thousand Lives Uranus 2324 is a 2024 Thai queer romantic drama and science fiction film directed by Thanadol Nualsuth. The film is a passion project centered on the popular Thai GL (Girls' Love) pairing "FreenBecky," starring Sarocha Chankimha and Rebecca Patricia Armstrong. The story follows Linlada, an astronaut, and Kath, a free diver, a couple separated by a tragic event. When a solar storm sends Lin's soul across different multiverses and timelines, she finds Kath in each of them, but their love is consistently challenged by forces that prevent them from being together. The film is a high-concept sci-fi narrative that uses its fantastical elements as a backdrop for an epic love story.
Why to watch this movie: A Daring and Ambitious Sci-Fi Romance
A high-concept queer narrative: The film is a rare example in Thai cinema of a queer-centric story being given a large-scale, ambitious sci-fi treatment. It champions a lesbian relationship as something that can transcend the boundaries of space and time.
The undeniable chemistry of the leads: The film's core strength lies in the palpable chemistry and a strong rapport between lead actresses Freen Sarocha Chankimha and Rebecca Patricia Armstrong, who have worked together on previous projects. Their performances are often cited as the best part of the movie.
Visually ambitious sequences: Uranus 2324 attempts to create a visually diverse and exciting experience, with scenes ranging from deep-sea free diving to space missions and alternate historical timelines, including a wartime setting.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/uranus-2324 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/uranus-2324 (UK)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28766949/
About movie: https://www.uranus2324.com/
What Trend is followed? The "Multiverse Romance" The film follows the emerging trend of "multiverse romance" in cinema.
This trend uses the concept of multiple universes and timelines to explore the idea of love as a constant force.
It asks the question, "what if...?" and explores how two people are drawn to each other, no matter the circumstances.
In Uranus 2324, the multiverse is not just a plot device; it's a vehicle to demonstrate the enduring nature of the love between Lin and Kath.
Director's Vision: The Endurance of Love Against All Odds
A cinematic love letter to fans: Director Thanadol Nualsuth's vision was to create a wish-fulfillment project for the devoted fanbase of "FreenBecky." The film is filled with intimate and romantic moments that are designed to satisfy their long-held desires.
Transcending genres: The director blends genres, melding a coming-of-age story, a romance, and LGBT elements with a time-shifting space odyssey. The goal was to create a multifaceted film that resonates with a broad audience while also catering to its dedicated fanbase.
The painful reality of separation: Despite the romantic indulgence, the director's vision also includes the painful reality of separation. Lin and Kath find each other in every universe, but they also endure the "agony of separation" in each one, making their love both beautiful and tragic.
Themes: Destiny, Sacrifice, and Unending Love
The constancy of love: The central theme is that the love between Lin and Kath is a cosmic force, an unchangeable constant that exists across all timelines and universes. It suggests that some loves are fated and meant to be.
Defying the limits of time and space: The characters are willing to defy the laws of physics, time, and destiny to be with each other. This theme highlights their determination and the power of love as a motivating force.
The illusion of choice: In a film about multiple universes, the concept of choice becomes a key theme. The characters are presented with different realities, yet their feelings for each other remain the same, suggesting that they are destined to be together, regardless of their circumstances.
Key Success Factors: Fanbase-Driven Content and Chemistry
Existing fanbase: The film's primary success factor is the pre-existing and highly dedicated fanbase of its lead actresses, Freen Sarocha Chankimha and Rebecca Patricia Armstrong. Their established popularity ensured a built-in audience and strong box office performance.
Lead actresses' chemistry: The film leans heavily on the chemistry between Freen and Becky, which is described as "palpable" and "undeniable." Their performances elevate the romantic moments and make the core relationship believable.
Targeted narrative: The film is an example of a project that knows its audience. It delivers on the romantic and emotional beats that fans of the pairing have been waiting for, creating a sense of wish-fulfillment and satisfaction.
Awards and Nominations: A Public's Favorite Uranus 2324 has received several awards and nominations, particularly in the Thai film industry. It won the Popular Movie award at the 33rd Suphannahong National Film Awards, a testament to its popularity. It also won Best Directing in Feature Film and Best Script for a Long Feature Film at the Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift.
Critics Reception: Flawed but Heartfelt
WLW Film Reviews: The reviewer notes that while the film has "a multi universe-spanning lesbian love story" that is to be championed, it is "not a well-executed project on almost any level." They feel the plot and universe-building are "rather weak" and "indulgently slow." However, they acknowledge that the film is "harmless, indulgent wish fulfillment" for the fans.
Starry Constellation Magazine: This review praises the "undeniable chemistry and confidence" of the two lead actresses. However, it agrees that the film is "poorly executed," citing a "confusing change of scenarios and realities" that makes it hard for the audience to follow. It notes the film "resemble[s] other iconic pop culture movies such as The Butterfly Effect," which "snatches away its own originality."
Reddit r/GirlsLove: User reviews are mixed, with many expressing disappointment despite being fans of the actresses. They state that the poor editing and scattered plot let the movie down, with one user saying it felt like a "patch work of a bunch of scenes." Despite this, many agree that Freen and Becky "did an amazing job on the acting."
Overall, critics and viewers outside the direct fanbase often found the film's execution to be messy and confusing, with a slow pace and a convoluted plot. However, they consistently praise the chemistry and performances of the two lead actresses.
Reviews: A Divisive but Loved Film
YouTube Comments: Comments on trailers and reaction videos show immense excitement and love for the film, with many fans rewatching it multiple times to catch every detail. They often state that the movie "gets better and more enjoyable each time."
Reddit: Many users on the r/GirlsLove subreddit expressed disappointment with the final cut, feeling that it failed to live up to the hype created by the trailers. They mention that scenes they were looking forward to were cut and that the editing was "shoddy," but they still praise the lead actresses for their hard work and acting.
Teleparty: The film has a positive rating on this platform, suggesting that many viewers who were already fans enjoyed the movie and found it a good watch party experience.
Overall, the reviews highlight a clear divide between the dedicated fanbase, who appreciate the film for the performances of their favorite stars, and a more general audience, who find the plot and execution to be lacking.
Release dates: Theatrical and Streaming Theatrical Release: Uranus 2324 was released in Thailand on July 4, 2024. Release date on streaming: The film is available to stream on Netflix.
What Movie Trend film is following: Fan-Service Cinema The film is a prime example of a fan-service cinema trend, where a movie is created primarily to cater to the wishes of a pre-existing and dedicated fanbase. The film is built around a popular celebrity pairing, and its narrative and a focus on romantic moments are tailored to their specific audience. The production leverages the stars' existing popularity, creating a project that is, at its core, a gift to the fans who have supported them.
What Big Social Trend is following: The Global Rise of Queer Media Uranus 2324 is part of the global social trend of increased demand for and production of queer media, specifically queer love stories. The film's success, particularly with its dedicated fanbase, is a testament to the growing market for diverse and inclusive narratives. It reflects a shift in what is considered commercially viable, demonstrating that LGBTQ+ stories can be central to a large-scale production and reach a global audience.
Final Verdict: A Flawed but Heartfelt Fan Project Uranus 2324 is an ambitious film that, while flawed in its execution, is a powerful testament to the passion of its creators and its fanbase. The film's sprawling narrative and sometimes confusing plot are redeemed by the undeniable chemistry of its two lead actresses, who deliver heartfelt and dedicated performances. For fans of Freen and Becky, the film is a cherished and fulfilling experience. For a general audience, it may be a beautiful but at times convoluted journey. Ultimately, it succeeds as a heartfelt love letter to its dedicated audience, proving that love can indeed be the most powerful force in any universe.
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