HIStory 4: Close to You

 

HIStory 4: Close to You – 5/10

Let’s just say this was a rollercoaster—but not the fun kind. While the BL genre has evolved, HIStory 4 took a sharp turn into toxic tropes and unrealistic storytelling.

The stepbrother romance was the most problematic aspect. Instead of offering nuanced exploration or emotional development, it leaned into manipulation, obsession, and ethical discomfort, yet somehow expected us to root for it. And the most absurd part? The parents just… accepted it without any real struggle or reaction. It broke any suspension of disbelief.

The second couple didn’t help either. Their chemistry was flat, and the acting felt more like a forced stage play than a living, breathing romance. A few scenes showed potential, but overall, the connection was just not there.

It had its visual moments, and the production quality wasn’t bad, but writing and character development took a hard hit in this installment. A disappointment—especially compared to the heights reached by HIStory 3: Trapped or MODC.