One of the greatest benefits of global OTT platforms is that they deliver content from diverse countries that we would not normally have easy access to right to our living rooms. If it weren't for Netflix, we might never have had the opportunity to enjoy a Thai-produced drama so fascinatingly. In that sense, the Netflix original series Mad Unicorn is a hidden gem that gave me a new visual experience and cultural enjoyment. At first, I felt a bit of a barrier because of the unfamiliar language and cultural background, but thanks to the friendly and clear subtitles, I was able to get into it right away. As the episodes progressed, the unfamiliar became familiar, and the familiar turned into thrilling fun.
Now, Southeast Asian content, especially Thai works, are no longer stories from the periphery. Unlike in the past, when Korea was mainly introduced through horror movies, now it is captivating global viewers with a variety of genres and themes. Locally, when their content becomes a hit, expressions like “beat K-dramas” emerge, reflecting the growing pride and competitiveness of their content industry. While watching *Mad Unicorn*, I felt a sense of familiarity with Thailand's urban landscapes and people's lifestyles, which are not so different from ours, once again realizing that cultural boundaries are breaking down.
As the title suggests, *Mad Unicorn* is a story about the birth of a startup, specifically a “unicorn company” valued at over 1 billion dollars. The drama is based on a true story, with the protagonist being Thailand's first unicorn company, the logistics firm Flash Express. Comprising seven episodes, this drama boasts an irresistible pull that makes it impossible to stop watching once you press play. Of course, when compared to the sophisticated direction of Korean dramas, there are some minor flaws, such as overly dramatic background music and a lack of smoothness in some parts of the plot. However, the power and pace of the story are so compelling that one is willing to overlook these minor flaws. It is a work that truly deserves the expression “time flies.”
The drama's narrative centers on “Santi,” a young man with a burning ambition to escape his poverty-stricken reality and become rich. With nothing to his name, he had few options for accumulating wealth, so he started at the bottom of the sales business and nurtured his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. In the process, he further fuels his desire for money and success through sales targeting the wealthy, and discovers the limitless potential of the then-untapped delivery business. Inspired by a lecture from his mentor and wealthy businessman “Canin,” he passionately explains his vision for the delivery business to him, eventually securing investment and founding a company that would grow into a massive corporation.
Joining the startup were “Xiaowei,” a Chinese investment manager who had originally intended to invest in Kanin's company, and “Luigi,” an IT expert who even made an equity investment to build the company's computer system. However, the path to success was far from smooth. The drama vividly portrays the various trials and tribulations they faced as they moved toward their common goal. The greatest challenge came from within. The first investor, Kanin, whom they had trusted, betrayed Santi and attempted to take over the company entirely. He secretly transferred management rights to his son through a rights issue and ruthlessly expelled Santi, the founder.
Having lost everything, Santi teamed up with his loyal colleagues Xiao Wei and Luigi to launch a new delivery company, “Thunder,” in the Thai market, aiming for a comeback. At the time, the market was already a red ocean dominated by competitors. The company Kanin had seized was firmly holding the second position in the industry, and the top company's dominance seemed impregnable. As a latecomer, there seemed to be no room for “Thunder” to break into the market, but Santi introduced an innovative idea that overturned the existing logistics system. Unlike the previous method, where customers had to go to the logistics hub themselves, he introduced Thailand's first “door-to-door” service, which delivers directly to the customer's doorstep.
Meanwhile, the drama highlights the close economic ties between Thailand and China. Scenes such as the protagonists traveling back and forth between China to secure investments, or the Chinese shopping festival “Singles' Day” (November 11) being regarded as the most important event in Thailand's e-commerce market, realistically depict the close connection between the two countries. However, there are differences between the dramatic plot of the drama and actual history. While the drama centers on betrayal and competition among founders, the decisive factor behind Flash Express' explosive growth was the surge in contactless e-commerce due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mad Unicorn” is a work produced by a team that has already proven its capabilities through the film “Bad Genius,” making it worth watching for its solid story and fast-paced narrative alone. As a side note, the fact that the female lead actress, Metika Jiranoraphat, has a history of participating in auditions for JYP and SM Entertainment adds a bit of extra fun for K-POP fans. If you set aside any preconceptions about unfamiliar Thai dramas, you can enjoy witnessing firsthand how passionate dedication and innovative ideas can transform the world. With its concise seven-episode format, it is perfect for binge-watching without feeling overwhelmed. For viewers whose hearts race at the story of young people chasing their dreams, <Mad Unicorn> will be a choice you won’t regret.
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