Genre: Romance / Drama
Director & Writer: Chu Yu-Ning
Cast: Bai Jingting, Zhang Ruonan, Edward Chen, Zhang Miaoyi, and more
Episodes: 32
Platforms: Youku (China), Netflix (globally, from Feb 20, 2025)
Six years after drifting apart, high school classmates Sang Yan (Bai Jingting) and Wen Yifan (Zhang Ruonan) unexpectedly reunite as reluctant roommates. The reunion forces them to confront their complicated past—her trauma, his unresolved feelings—and navigate a slow-burning journey of healing, reconnection, and rediscovered love
1. Poetic, Emotion-Driven Romance
This isn’t a fluffy romantic comedy. Every glance, silence, and shared memory between Sang Yan and Yifan is loaded with meaning. The chemistry between Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan is described as "electric… raw, painful, and impossible to look away from"
2. Deep Exploration of Trauma & Healing
Yifan's struggle with PTSD and past assault is portrayed with sensitivity and realism. The show handles heavy themes—abuse, sleepwalking, mental scars—without sensationalizing them, offering a genuine narrative of recovery .
3. Stunning Visuals & Mood
Beatiful cinematography—muted tones, soft-focus closeups, and Chongqing’s neon-lit scenery—elevates the emotional atmosphere. Directors use framing to physically and emotionally emphasize the characters’ distance and connection
4. Meaningful Dual-Perspective Storytelling
Structured in alternating POVs—each episode begins with Yifan, ends with Sang Yan—this narrative device highlights how memory and perception define relationships
5. Music as Emotional Resonance
An evocative soundtrack—especially Xiao Bing Chih’s “I’m So Into You” and pieces by Mayday—underscores emotional crescendos and character beats, with fans praising its lingering musical impact
1. Slow-Burn Pacing
The deliberate pacing may frustrate viewers expecting quicker romantic developments. However, many appreciate how this restraint honors the characters' emotional journeys
2. Passive Female Lead & Gender Dynamics
Critics note concern over Yifan's limited agency early on, with many conflicts “resolved” by Sang Yan's interventions. Some argue this diminishes her autonomy and agency
3. Underdeveloped Supporting Cast
Secondary characters—friends, family, colleagues—have weaker arcs, leaving some storylines feeling incomplete compared to the leads' depth
4. Narrow Socioeconomic Portrayals
Professional lives—Sang Yan’s and Yifan’s careers—can feel sketchy, lacking realism in their portrayal and progression, sometimes straining believability .
The First Frost is a beautifully crafted psychological romance—rooted in trauma, healing, and second chances. With its breathtaking visuals, nuanced performances, and emotionally intelligent pacing, it's one of the most profound modern C-dramas of 2025. It’s not light or easy, but it’s unforgettable, resonating deeply with viewers long after the final scene .
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
-
Slow-burn, healing-centered romances
-
Drama with real emotional stakes and character depth
-
High-quality visuals and evocative soundtracks
