ClaireBell Review: Gritty, Sapphic, Unforgettable

A gritty Thai GL drama that mixes high production, raw sapphic chemistry, and bold storytelling. Here’s why ClaireBell stands out in 2025.

A Bold New Player in Thai GL: First Impressions

Okay Mine Media… we see you. ClaireBell came swinging in with the production flex of the year, and honestly? We weren’t ready. We went in hesitant—prison dramas aren’t usually our jam—but if we survived #OITNB for Laura Prepon’s sapphic energy, we could absolutely give a pure GL series a shot. And right out of the gate, the tone, pacing, and thematic grit gave us serious #OITNB flashbacks, which initially made it tough to fully invest.

But as the story progressed, everything leveled up—the visuals, the tension, the emotional beats—and suddenly we were watching a Thai GL drama that felt Western-tier in all the best ways.

Hooks? In. Us? Caught.

Production Quality: Mine Media Sets a New Bar

Thai GLs often struggle with production consistency—editing quirks, odd wardrobe choices, lighting mishaps, questionable sets. ClaireBell said “not on our watch.” Mine Media building an entire prison set from scratch? That’s a flex, and it pays off.

The opening theme, cinematic tones, and overall polish elevate the story before the acting even arrives. For a first GL project, this was an industry statement.

Acting Talent & Storytelling: A Perfectly Woven Ensemble

The cast is an absolute jackpot. The mix of veteran performers and fresh faces is so seamless you can’t tell who’s new. Each character has purpose, each arc connects, and the balance between the main couple, the prison drama, and the supporting cast is surprisingly tight.

Nothing feels messy or overcrowded—just a well-built ensemble driving a compelling sapphic narrative.

Our only caveat? With just eight episodes of very strong material, a few moments felt slightly rushed, but never enough to pull us out of the story.

Themes & Representation: A Rarely Explored Lane in Thai GL

Let’s talk ambition. This series dives headfirst into: prison systems, drugs, corruption, adultery, abortion, rape, violence, survival, and power dynamics. Not exactly the standard Thai GL toolkit. Pair that with a gritty sapphic romance, and suddenly we’re in rare, atypical territory.

This series doesn’t just break the mold; it sets it on fire and rebuilds a new one.

This thematic depth gives us representation we don’t usually see in the Thai GL space—women in dangerous, complex environments, portrayed as fully realized queer characters with agency. Mine Media went there, and they handled these topics with nuance, care, and precision.

The Scenes that Made an Impression

1. The Library Scene: Sapphic Intimacy Done Right

   Listen—this moment belongs in the Sapphic Hall of Fame. We champion intimacy that actually tells the story, and this delivered authenticity, real touch, and camera work that pushed boundaries without crossing NC limits.

   
   

   No cutaways. No awkward staging. No “floating hands.”

   
   

   Just pure, undeniable chemistry between Claire and Bell—so strong it blew up X, TikTok, and every GL fan space.

   
   

2. Claire’s Revenge: A Brutal, Brilliant Turning Point

   Kade poisoning Bell? Unhinged. The confession scene? Chilling. Claire’s slow, deadly pause as she weighs her next move? Epic. And when she finally unleashes the most grounded, realistic Thai GL beatdown we’ve ever seen—cinematic gold.

   
   

   What made it hit even harder was the realism. FINALLY a production studio didn’t shy away from the blood, bruises, and actual consequences. The physicality made the entire moment look and feel authentic—raw in a way Thai GLs almost never allow. For all the shows that refuse to give their actresses so much as a bruise after a car accident or heart surgery (looking at you Poisonous Love), ClaireBell said, “Not today.”

   
   

   It was real, it was earned, and we loved every second—on top of the emotional payoff it delivered.

   
   

   And the best part? Bell instantly understands why Claire earned those extra three years. Their connection is that deep, that intuitive.

   
   

3. Bell’s Revenge: A Fiery Plot Twist

   Then Bell said, “Let me show you how we do it in prison,” and torched Top’s entire house because he refused to take accountability. We absolutely did not see that coming—and that’s rare.

   
   

   The way she unearthed the stash, whipped out Claire’s electrical-box trick like a seasoned pro, and then casually burned the place down while eating instant noodles? Iconic. Truly iconic.

   
   

   Prison didn’t just change her… it leveled her up.

   
   

4. The 3D Trio: Scene Stealers With Depth

   Introducing the 3D sisters was a stroke of brilliance. Their dynamic, backstory, and prison dominance added richness without derailing the main plot. Deedee and Dao especially shined—from the cafeteria confrontation to their emotional growth.

   
   

   They brought heart, chaos, and unexpected realism to this Thai GL drama.

   
   

5. Surprise Cameo: Charlotte Steals the Scene

   And then—CHARLOTTE.

   
   

   We screamed. Paused. Rewound. Confirmed. Screamed again. Her cameo wasn’t just fan service; it propelled Deedee’s arc forward and delivered a delicious jaw dropping moment. Easily one of the top GL cameos of the year, rivaling #LenaMiu in Only You The Series.

   
   

6. Claire’s Sister & The Teacher: Emotional Gut Punch

   We need to talk about Claire’s sister Natty. The actress delivered a stunning performance. We suspected Claire was in prison because she took the blame for someone, but this reveal? It was powerful, heartbreaking, and full of compassion.

   
   

   And when Mint learns the truth about her brother’s death—plus the fact he filmed everything? Karma delivered with precision.

   
   

7. Pon: A Small Role With Big Impact

   Pon’s role may have been brief, but she was unforgettable. Her dynamic with Claire gave us solid Red-from-#OITNB energy in the best way. Her death—and the warden covering it up to protect his precious numbers—instantly grounds the audience in the brutal reality of the prison system and raises the stakes for everyone.

The Ending: Bittersweet, Beautiful… But We Wanted One More Thing

We’d be remiss if we didn’t address the ending. Did we like it? Yes—it fits the emotional arc and narrative tone. Bell showing up and running toward Claire was beautiful. But we wanted that present-day kiss. Not a flashback. Not symbolism. A hard-earned sapphic moment of freedom for this Thai GL couple. We’re sure there was a stylistic choice behind it, but it didn’t fully land. Still? It worked emotionally.

Who Should Watch ClaireBell

This drama is perfect for:

• fans of gritty Thai GL dramas

• viewers who love sapphic stories outside school/office tropes

• fans of #OITNB, Wentworth, or complex queer narratives

• anyone who values strong ensemble casts and top-tier production

• viewers wanting a darker, more ambitious GL romance

Final Verdict: A Darker, Bolder Thai GL Worth Applauding

ClaireBell delivers something fresh and daring in the Thai GL landscape. It’s intense, stylish, emotionally driven, and anchored by one of the strongest production efforts we’ve seen this year. While it’s not our personal #1, we’re happily giving Mine Media their flowers. And if they want to outdo themselves next year, we’re absolutely up for a Tontoei & Angie sapphic project (asking for a friend).

Well done, Mine Media. Encore.