Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Review (Eps 1-3): Red Flags, Red Flags and Red Flags

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love (Wakatte Itemo The Shapes of Love) is a Japanese adaptation of Jung Seo’s popular webcomic Algoitjiman, previously adapted into the 2021 Korean drama Nevertheless. Directed by Ryutaro Nakagawa and written by Nakagawa along with Keitaro Sakon and Chisato Yokoo, this 8-episode romantic drama airs on ABEMA and Netflix from December 9 to 30, 2024.

Set in the picturesque art university town of Kamakura, the series follows Ren Kosaka (Yokohama Ryusei), a talented yet emotionally distant artist who takes on a temporary lecturer position. As people are drawn to him like butterflies to a flower, Ren meets Miu Hamasaki (Minami Sara), a reserved student whose presence stirs unexpected emotions within him. Even though both are scarred by their pasts and wary of love, they can’t help but move closer—nevertheless.

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Recap

Episode 1

The story begins with Ren gazing at a butterfly in his apartment, while Miu contemplates a flower elsewhere. Though they don’t yet know each other, their shared belief that love is fleeting binds them in an invisible thread. The narrative soon dives into Miu’s past, revealing a traumatic betrayal by her ex-boyfriend, who immortalized her vulnerability in an erotic sculpture without her consent. The statue—depicting a man crushed by his oversized wings—becomes a haunting metaphor for the weight of her pain.

In the present, Miu crosses paths with Ren for the first time when she catches him throwing paint at a school statue to create an abstract butterfly mural. Their encounter is charged; he casually wipes stray paint off her face, igniting a spark in her heart. However, Miu is cautious, pretending indifference when their teacher, Ms. Usami, asks her opinion on the mural.

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Ren’s reentry into the school as a substitute teacher surprises Miu. His carefree demeanour and artistic confidence intrigue the students, but he remains an enigma. Later, while helping Miu organize old art projects, Ren finds her ex’s provocative sculpture. In an act of both rebellion and kindness, he destroys it, urging her to let go of the past. Miu feels liberated, and for a fleeting moment, it seems they’ll share a kiss—only to be interrupted by a phone call. Their connection remains unresolved, leaving both of them with a sliver of longing.

Episode 2

The second episode picks up with Miu grappling with her feelings for Ren. A vivid dream of kissing him unsettles her, especially since she’s convinced she means little to him. Meanwhile, Ren’s charm captivates the other students, and rumours swirl about his love life. Things heat up when Ren casually admits to vandalizing the president’s statue, further cementing his rebellious image.

Another subplot begins to unfold as the mysterious Kamakura Banksy, a graffiti artist, leaves their mark around campus. Though Ren is quick to dismiss the work as juvenile, the attention it garners heightens the sense of intrigue in the art department.

Amidst all this, Miu finds herself increasingly drawn to Ren, yet determined to guard her heart. During a late-night studio visit, Ren’s forwardness surprises her again when he gently tends to her injury. He seems to understand her unspoken fears, but his aloofness keeps her guessing about his true intentions. Meanwhile, their classmates, including the insecure Osakabe and the lively Hikari, bring their own layers of complexity to the story. Osakabe quietly admires Hikari, though her teasing often leaves him feeling inferior.

The episode takes an emotional turn when Ren visits Miu at her school studio, bringing her food and company. Despite their banter, there’s an undercurrent of sadness between them—both are carrying burdens they haven’t yet shared. In an unexpected moment of vulnerability, Ren kisses Miu. But just as things heat up, their connection is interrupted once more, this time by Ruki, who witnesses the scene from the hallway.

Episode 3

In the third episode, the kiss weighs heavily on Miu’s mind. Ren stops the kiss abruptly and walks away, leaving Miu to wrestle with her feelings. She tells herself not to fall for him, but her resolve wavers. At the same time, Ren’s interactions with others—especially the women around him—fuel her doubts.

The episode also shines a spotlight on Saki and Megumi, whose dynamic brings a refreshing yet poignant subplot. Saki, a former art student who dropped out due to self-doubt, admires Megumi’s carefree spirit but struggles with her own insecurities. Their growing closeness hints at something more, but Saki hesitates to embrace it, fearing judgment and vulnerability.

Back in the main storyline, Ren’s enigmatic nature deepens as he reconnects with his estranged mother, a travelling artist. Their brief meeting offers a glimpse into his troubled past, shedding light on his cynicism about love and permanence. Meanwhile, Miu falls ill, and Ren surprises her with another visit, bringing flowers—not for her, but for his mother. This small gesture underscores the quiet, thoughtful side of his character, even as he keeps his guard up.

In a rare moment of levity, Ren takes Miu on a casual outing to an aquarium, where they laugh and bond over the simplicity of the experience. Their day ends with an invitation to Ren’s home, where Miu is captivated by his greenhouse filled with butterflies. This intimate setting becomes the backdrop for a pivotal moment as they give in to their mutual attraction. Their morning-after scene is tender and playful, but Miu’s discovery of another woman’s earrings at his apartment casts a shadow of doubt over their budding relationship.

As Miu confides in Saki about her uncertainties, Saki offers sage advice: there’s no such thing as a “normal” way of dating, and if Miu wants to pursue Ren, she should embrace the risk. Meanwhile, Osakabe musters the courage to confess his feelings to Hikari, only to be met with her playful dismissal. His vulnerability contrasts sharply with Hikari’s carefree demeanour, adding depth to their dynamic.

The episode concludes with Miu’s growing determination to confront her feelings. Despite her better judgment, she runs to Ren’s place, hoping for clarity. But as she arrives, she sees him with another woman, Chiaki, leaving her heartbroken and uncertain about their connection.

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love Review

Across these three episodes, Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love expertly weaves a tapestry of tangled emotions, unspoken longings, and fragile connections. The characters are flawed, relatable, and achingly human, each navigating their own fears and desires. Ren and Miu’s relationship is the beating heart of the story, oscillating between passion and hesitation, while the supporting cast adds richness to the narrative with their own struggles.

With its stunning visuals, emotionally charged storytelling, and nuanced exploration of love in all its imperfect forms, Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love keeps viewers hooked, eager to see if these characters will find the courage to embrace the beauty—and fragility—of their wings. But let’s be honest, most of us who watched the Korean version of this series do know that the series is going to get on our nerves but nevertheless.

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love is airing on Netflix.

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