Beyond Goodbye Review: Emotional Series Feels Like a Warm Hug

When Saeko’s fiance dies tragically in a car accident, she is left in deep despair and unable to cope with the loss. However, when she suddenly comes across Naruse, a stranger, they both start to feel something for one another. Unbeknownst to them both, Naruse received a heart transplant from her fiance Yusuke, which results in them being drawn to each other thanks to the unending power of faith.

The series has 8 episodes, each with a runtime of around 45 – 50 minutes.

Beyond Goodbye Review

In the Netflix Japanese drama Beyond Goodbye, one can’t help but feel the melancholia and heartbreak that flows within the veins of the series. Giving us a dose of heartbreak even before we know any of the characters, the series makes sure to remind us of what has been lost even during the times when we watch the characters gaining love, care, perspective and a new lease of life. Our protagonist is Saeko who loses her fiance tragically on the day he proposes to her. Their relationship, although shown briefly, is clearly deep and loving and thus when it’s cut short, one can’t help but feel the weight of the situation. The scenes of Saeko in the hospital are quite impactful and showcased perfectly.

We jump between Hokkaido and Hawaii and the series takes its time to break down every character and their innermost thoughts. However, there is also enough space for viewers to dig deep for themselves and the series is able to strike that balance beautifully. I think that the series also leaves an impression on you because it brings forth characters who have their own complications, but deep down, these people’s kind nature and loveable personalities make you relate to them. For example, it’s extremely easy to fall for Yusuke and you easily relate to Saeko’s feelings as she goes through the ups and downs of her life.

Naruse and Saeko’s stories start off differently and come together slowly, as if by fate. The series picks up slowly but with every Japanese series, there’s no big mystery or drama here. It’s a story about life, its complexities and the feelings that human beings end up feeling through the course of their lives. The slow pace is what makes these dramas stand out and viewers can’t help but be enamoured by the human story in the series. I greatly appreciate how the series showcases every character being inherently good in spite of their flaws. It’s not something we get to see all the time – it’s the simplicity that makes the series stand out.

Coffee turns out to be a big part of the series, binding people together, reminding them of taking a break and in general, helping people unwind and to get closer to one another. Plus, the series showcases the kindness that people have in their hearts in such a way that your mood is instantly uplifted. Even when the protagonists go through a hard time, the people around them step up to take care of them such that they are left impressed and enamoured.

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Saeko and Yusuke finding each other against all odds forms the gist of the story but what happens to them in the end might just catch viewers by surprise. Without giving away spoilers, the last two episodes will make your heart flutter but there are moments when things feel a little too dramatic for the overarching storyline of the series. I also found some coincidences to be a bit too convenient but the tone in which the series ends feels rather light-hearted and warm and, thankfully, showcases two people getting over their differences and the problems in their lives to foster a more open-hearted (pun intended) and harmonious existence.

Fantastic performances keep this series fresh and watchable. Kasumi Arimura and Kentaro Sakaguchi are fantastic and bring a reserved emotion to the story that is hard to ignore. However, in spite of not showing any in-your-face burst of emotions, one will never miss exactly what the characters are feeling because the actors do a fantastic job of bringing forth an emotional depth that hits you like a ton of bricks. However, my favourite was Toma Ikuta, who brings a mischievous goodness to the screen that is infectious.

Final Thoughts

Beyond Goodbye is hopeful and melancholic and makes you look at life differently. Although I acknowledge that it might not be for everyone, there are some very convenient situations and there are a ton of moments with long dialogues, this one will pull those in who love slow-paced dramas with an emotional message to tell. The feels like drinking a warm and delicious cup of coffee on a cold morning and will leave you with a smile on your face.

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