Girl from Nowhere

Girl from Nowhere
Promotional poster for Season 2
Thaiเด็กใหม่ The Series
Genre
Created bySOUR Bangkok
Screenplay by
StarringChicha Amatayakul
Music by
  • Sky Tone Co., Ltd.
  • Kritthum Kawjang
  • Chaibovon Seelookwar
  • Grittatham Khaojang
Country of originThailand
Original languageThai
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes21
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Nalina Chayasombat
  • Chai-A-Nan Soijumpa
Editors
  • Foolhouse Production
  • Laugh Cut
Camera setupSingle camera
Running time37-50 minutes
Production companies
  • GMM Grammy (2018)
  • SOUR
  • Jungka Bangkok
  • BRAVO! Studios (2021)
  • GMM Studios (2021)
Original release
Network
ReleaseAugust 8, 2018 (2018-08-08) –
May 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

Girl from Nowhere (Thai: เด็กใหม่; RTGSDek Mai; lit. New Girl) is a Thai mystery thriller anthology television series created by studio SOUR Bangkok and starring actress Chicha "Kitty" Amatayakul in the lead role.

The first season was released on August 8, 2018, on GMM 25. A second season was released globally on Netflix on May 7, 2021, which exposed the show to international fame. It has hit number one on the currently most watched Netflix shows in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, while also ranking in the top 10 in countries around the world such as Brazil.[1][2][3][4] The show has been critically acclaimed for the usage of unconventional storytelling and takes on modern high school society.[5][6]

Premise[edit]

The plot revolves around Nanno, an enigmatic girl who transfers to different private schools in Thailand and exposes the students and faculty's stories of lies, secrets, and hypocrisy. Nanno on occasion lies to provoke others. She is revealed to be a mischievous immortal entity, punishing wrongdoers for their crimes and misdeeds. In Season 2, Nanno meets her match in newfound rival Yuri, who has a different, more revenge focused ideology and wants to take over Nanno's duties.

Cast[edit]

  • Chicha Amatayakul as Nanno, a mysterious girl with supernatural powers and an enigmatic origin. Nanno serves as both guide and punisher to humans who hide secrets, perform harmful acts to others, and have selfish desires. Nanno is revealed to be an immortal entity that has the power to expose the lies and misdeeds of everyone she meets serving them the appropriate punishment no matter how big or small. Nanno is neither good nor evil in her crusade as she judges everyone equally, and while she feels no regret towards hurting people she only hurts those who have harmed others. She will however help those who are not inherently bad but are lost or trying to do better for themselves. Nanno prefers taking her time and planning how to deal with her marks before ending her mind games with satisfactory results. Nanno's outfit consists of her short medium-length, bowl-cut/bob hairstyle with bangs, female school uniform, and her inhuman-like cackle. She draws similarities to the Junji Ito manga character Tomie Kawakami which was credited as an inspiration for the role, according to Amatayakul.
  • Chanya McClory (season 2)[7] as Yuri, Nanno's rival. Yuri was originally a victim Nanno attempted to help after she was mistreated by two rich girls who blackmailed students, including Yuri, with sex tapes of her and others being raped. However, Yuri had already planned for revenge on the girls since her assault, and instead of listening to Nanno's advice she used Nanno as a sacrifice for her plan, hiring two men to assault and film the girls, in the same way Yuri was. Yuri's plan backfires however when the men also kill Yuri to hide their crime, drowning her in a bathtub that a bleeding Nanno was later placed in. Nanno's blood revived Yuri, giving her the same powers and immortality as her. Unlike Nanno though Yuri prefers to spread chaos and get Nanno’s marks killed by others using lies and manipulation. Yuri shows signs of being sociopathic and has no remorse for her actions. Yuri's outfit is also a traditional female school uniform, with her hair tied in a ponytail using a red ribbon.

Episodes[edit]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast releasedNetwork
113August 8, 2018 (2018-08-08)October 31, 2018 (2018-10-31)GMM 25
28May 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)Netflix

Season 1 (2018)[edit]

Each episode consists of individual stories and the appearance of Nanno at different schools.

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byOriginal air date
11"The Ugly Truth"Pairach KhumwanAugust 8, 2018 (2018-08-08)

Nanno transfers to a school with the title "Purest School of the Year", but soon encounters a teacher who preys on students and a classmate with a secret.

Guest stars: Thanavate Siriwattanagul (Mr. Win); Shinaradee Anupongpichart (Vaew); Janpim Rachawangmuang (Wan); Nijsa Suwannapreksachati (Mrs. Mali); Naerunchara Lertprasert (Mei)
22"Apologies"Sitisiri MongkholsiriAugust 15, 2018 (2018-08-15)

At her new school, Nanno's classmates reveal a darker side of their personality and want to take advantage of her.

Guest stars: Poompat Iam-Samang (Hok); Nutchapan Paramacharoenroj (Neung); Ratchnon Wasurat (Chit); Pajaree Nantarat (Tim); Thitinan Khlangphet (Taew)
33"Trophy"Apiwat SupateerapongAugust 22, 2018 (2018-08-22)

Nanno helps struggling classmate Mew, who feels invisible in her school of so-called geniuses.

Guest stars: Chonnikan Netjui (Mew); Sornsiri Chawalitworakul (Pui); Ratchanee Boonyatharokul (Mrs. Plearn); Sran Tongpan (Headmaster)
44"Hi-So"Khomkrit TreewimolAugust 29, 2018 (2018-08-29)

Dino is just one of the many affluent students at Nanno's new school. He has a secret, which Nanno can help him keep, but there's a cost.

Guest stars: Natthasit Kotimanaswanich (Dino); Chatchanan Chantajinda (Pop); Phakinai Junpiyakul (Tap); Risa Suzuki (Whan); Thanaphat Waranuphap (To); Nuttapol Kummata (Dino's dad); Sumontha Suanpholhat (Dino's mom)
55"Social Love"T-Thawat TaifayongvichitSeptember 5, 2018 (2018-09-05)

Nanno is mistakenly linked to Hann, a fellow classmate who already has a girlfriend, and he becomes a social media sensation.

Guest stars: Tatchapol Thitiapichai (Hann); Chanicha Boonpanuvichit (Yui); Yossawat Sittiwong (Jer); Thanawan Ngamphron (Thun)
66"Wonderwall, Part 1"Jatuphong RungrueangdechaphatOctober 10, 2018 (2018-10-10)

Nanno becomes co-manager of the school soccer team, and the head of the team becomes envious. Her resentment begins to eerily manifest itself.

Guest stars: Morakot Liu (Bam); Pinsuda Saimai (Good); Pradanai Nateprasertkul (O); Pakapol Srirongmuang (Teng); Phanisa Kungsadan (Maid)
77"Wonderwall, Part 2"Jatuphong RungrueangdechaphatOctober 17, 2018 (2018-10-17)

Other students who have discovered the mysterious wall start using it to get their revenge. Some regret what they've done, but it might be too late to go back.

Guest stars: Morakot Liu (Bam); Pinsuda Saimai (Good); Pradanai Nateprasertkul (O); Pakapol Srirongmuang (Teng); Phanisa Kungsadan (Maid)
88"Lost & Found"Sivawut SewatanonSeptember 12, 2018 (2018-09-12)

TK is a lonely student who can't stop stealing, and Nanno only encourages him to keep doing it.

Guest stars: Ekawat Niratvorapanya (TK); Lerwith Sangsith (TK's butler); Chawakorn Phetsaitip (Headmaster); Preeyasuda Akkarasrisawad (Teacher 1)
99"Trap"Jatuphong RungrueangdechaphatSeptember 19, 2018 (2018-09-19)

A group of students turn on one another while hiding from an escaped murderer in their school. In this episode, Nanno is shown to be a liar in an effort to instigate and escalate the situation.

Guest stars: Awat Ratanapintha (Koh); Anuchyd Sapanphong (Mr. Tor); Somjade Theprangsimankul (Suer); Karntheera Kaosaard (Kaew)
1010"Thank You Teacher"Varayu RukskulSeptember 26, 2018 (2018-09-26)

A strict teacher is told to change her teaching style, but stress from her past pushes her past her breaking point.

Guest stars: Claudia Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya (Mrs. Aum); Rinrada Pornsombutsatien (Mrs. Pim); Dechatorn Wasurat (Atom); Soontorn Meesri (Headmaster); Thanissara Lappatharanon (Convenience store cashier)
1111"The Rank"Chai-A-Nan SoijumpaOctober 3, 2018 (2018-10-03)

In a school that ranks its students in order of beauty, Ying is mortified when Nanno outranks her, and goes to extreme lengths to reclaim her position.

Guest stars: Piyathida Mitrteeraroj (Headmaster); Apasiri Kittithanon (Ying); Punyapa Srathdatip (Gade); Penpitcha Chaiyasert (Chommpoo); Sirada Hathaiwuttipong (Chommpoo (after))
1212"BFF, Part 1"Khomkrit TreewimolOctober 24, 2018 (2018-10-24)

After opening a time capsule at a high school reunion, some ex-pupils recall an odd classmate they nicknamed "Psycho Nanno".

Guest stars: Nutnicha Luanganunkun (Fong); Kunchanuj Kengkarnka (Thap/Tan); Kongkid Visessiri (Wit); Supavee Palisriroj (Bell); Thitichaya Chiwpreecha (Proud)
1313"BFF, Part 2"Khomkrit TreewimolOctober 31, 2018 (2018-10-31)

The truth about the highschool events is revealed and Nanno ensures there aren't any happy endings.

Guest stars: Nutnicha Luanganunkun (Fong); Kunchanuj Kengkarnka (Thap/Tan); Kongkid Visessiri (Wit); Supavee Palisriroj (Bell); Thitichaya Chiwpreecha (Proud)

Season 2 (2021)[edit]

Nanno is joined by a schoolgirl named Yuri, who becomes immortal after meeting Nanno.[7]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byOriginal release date [8]
141"Pregnant"Pairach KhumwanMay 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

A popular boy in school has been getting girls pregnant, so Nanno decides to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Guest stars: Teeradon Supapunpinyo (Nanai); Theerarat Wongchuen (Petch); Sadanon Durongkaveroj (Jeng); Karnpicha Pongpanit (Lookmhee)
152"True Love"Khomkrit TreewimolMay 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

An elite girls' school transitions to becoming a co-ed school. Nanno pushes against the strict gender segregating rules.

Guest stars: Penpak Sirikul (Teacher Nareumon Trisiriwimol); Natda Chawawanid (Teacher Linda); Surapol Poonpiriya (Headmaster); Orranat Meeklai (Young Nareumon); Jarusri Sukrajun (Young Reuthal); Theerameth Pheerabawornsuk (Punjan); Jinjutha Korkitthavron (Namneung)
163"Minnie and the Four Bodies"Pairach KhumwanMay 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

Minnie is a queen bee at her school, seemingly untouchable. Her outrageous behavior including drunk driving causes the death of four of her schoolmates, but her parents shield her from the consequences. However, later on when she is riding with her parents, the brakes stop working and they crash. Minnie finds herself brutally injured and killed multiple times by her schoolmates, victim's parents, and even her own parents; one for each death she has caused. For the fourth time around, she still refuses to apologize and ends up jumping off the balcony to her death.

Guest stars: Patricia Good (Minnie); Chanya McClory (Yuri); Sahajak Boonthanakit (Minnie's father); Adisak Treesirikasem (Ploen's father); Pijika Jittaputta (Ploen's mother)

Note: This episode is also based on a true story called "Praewa and 9 bodies"(แพรวา9ศพ).
174"Yuri"Sitisiri MongkholsiriMay 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

Nanno tries to help a poor student named Yuri get even with the rich classmates who treat her like a servant, but Nanno may have met her match.

Guest stars: Chanya McClory (Yuri); Thasorn Klinnium (Nana); Apichaya Phanichtrakool (Tubtim); Jidapa Sae-eiab (Meen)
185"SOTUS"Khomkrit TreewimolMay 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

A senior student named Kaye takes things too far while hazing a group of junior students. This time, it's Nanno's turn to try and break his spirit.

Guest stars: Bhumibhat Thavornsiri (Kaye/K) Chanya McClory (Yuri); Chalee Immak (Headmaster)
196"Liberation"Paween Purijitpanya & Surawut TungkharakMay 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

At Pantanawittaya, students are expected to strictly follow rules without question, but Nanno relishes breaking as many as she can.

Guest stars: Patharawarin Timkul (Teacher A); Chanya McClory (Yuri); Chutima Teepanat (Teacher B); Vutichai Srisantiroj (Headmaster); Sujitra Hemhiran (Mie); Phromporn Phrommapirom (Jelly); Ratchanon Aungsirisawat (New)
207"JennyX"Jatuphong RungrueangdechaphatMay 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

Jane, a famous live streamer known as JennyX, finds herself getting tired of her online persona and her parents, who seem to only care about her fame. Nanno befriends her, ensuring her that there is a way for her to live like a normal person. Together, they stage Jane's death during a live stream. Jane reinvents herself to enjoy her newfound freedom, but soon realizes that she wants her old life back. Yuri releases an anonymous tip to the press that Jane could have faked her death and leads Jane to believe that Nanno gave the tip. She tells Jane that the only way to get her life back is by killing Nanno. Nanno, knowing Yuri's involvement in the situation, forces Jane to kill her (Nanno). Jane then goes live and pretends that Nanno had kidnapped and tortured her, but she discovers that Nanno had stolen her life and is now JennyX. With no one believing her, she runs away. Meanwhile, Yuri points out that Nanno's wounds are not healing and that she is becoming mortal.

Guest stars: Phantira Pipityakorn (JennyX); Chanya McClory (Yuri); Supoj Pongpancharoen (JennyX's father); Nipawan Taweepornsawon (JennyX's mother)
218"The Judgement"Khomkrit TreewimolMay 7, 2021 (2021-05-07)

Junko is a student who suffers from hemophilia and moves around the school using a wheelchair. Teacher Waan, her mother who works in the school's infirmary, always takes care of her whenever she gets wounded. Nanno discovers that Teacher Waan gets monetary donations for Junko's illness and notices several students and teachers missing in the school. When she sneaks into their house, she sees one of the missing students buried in a box that Teacher Waan uses to store soil. Nanno confronts Teacher Waan about this and reveals that she knows the medicine being given to Junko is meant to keep Junko from feeling better. Teacher Waan confesses that Junko was the one who killed everyone who has been missing to get revenge for the years of bullying she had endured in the school. Fearing for Junko's future, she buried the bodies and began using disabling medicine onto Junko to keep her from killing more people. This leads Nanno to question whether punishing Teacher Waan is the right thing to do. It is then revealed that Yuri has been swapping out Junko's medicine and that Junko can walk by herself. Junko, furious at her mother, attempts to stab Teacher Waan before being stopped by Nanno. Teacher Waan then stabs Nanno continuously in a fit of rage before she is killed by Junko. With Nanno being dead, Yuri bids her goodbye and gives Junko her blood to make her immortal. As Yuri and Junko leave, a student, presumably Nanno, looks down on them from the rooftop.

Guest stars: Yarinda Bunnag (Teacher Waan) Chanya McClory (Yuri); Ploy Sornarin (Junko)

Conception and development[edit]

The storylines in the episodes are inspired by actual real news reports where schoolgirls were victimized, but with the intent of showing how the victims will ultimately become the victor.[9] For instance, "Minnie and the Four Bodies" was based on an incident where a student had crashed her car into a university van killing four people, and had avoided the consequences because of her family's wealthy connections.[10]

"SOTUS" was also based on an incident where a senior punishes a junior for failing to follow the hazing rules, resulting in homicide.[11]

Lead actress Amatayakul used "Tomie", a Japanese horror manga featuring a succubus-like woman, as her reference for the series.[12][13]

Days before auditioning for the role of Yuri, Chanya McClory had just started recovery for having an operation for removing a brain tumor. Her determination to get the role won over the casting crew and inspired her to empower her character.[14]

Release[edit]

Adverts for Girl From Nowhere’s second season at Silom Complex Central and Phloen Chit BTS Station, Bangkok.

The first season of Girl From Nowhere was released on August 8, 2018, on GMM 25. It was also released on Netflix on October 31, 2018.[15]

On April 19, 2021, a trailer was released for the second season. Season 2 has 8 episodes and was released on May 7, 2021, on Netflix.[16]

Awards and nominations[edit]

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Ceremony Year Award Recipient Result Ref
3rd Asia Contents Awards 2021 Best Creative Girl From Nowhere Season 2 Nominated [17]
Best OTT Original Girl From Nowhere Season 2 Nominated
Best Asian TV Series Girl From Nowhere Season 2 Won [18]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Ramli, Sofia (August 25, 2020). "Netflix's Thai drama 'Girl From Nowhere' begins production on season two". NME. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  2. ^ Singh, Surej (April 19, 2021). "Watch the grisly teaser trailer for 'Girl From Nowhere' season two". NME. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  3. ^ "5 reasons to watch 'Girl from Nowhere'". Lifestyle Asia Bangkok. May 28, 2021. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  4. ^ Tabanera, Lily Grace (May 10, 2021). "'Girl From Nowhere' Is Number One On Netflix PH And 'Nanno' Wants To Thank All Her Pinoy Fans!". COSMO.PH. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  5. ^ "Production for season 2 of 'Girl From Nowhere' begins in Bangkok". ABS-CBN News. August 24, 2020. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  6. ^ "Why Netflix is doubling down on Southeast Asian films and shows". South China Morning Post. June 22, 2021. Archived from the original on July 3, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Tabanera, Lily Grace (May 11, 2021). "Who Is Chanya McClory AKA Yuri In 'Girl From Nowhere?'". Cosmopolitan.
  8. ^ "Girl From Nowhere – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  9. ^ "Spikes Asia Festival of Creativity".
  10. ^ "Fans Are Saying 'Girl from Nowhere' Episode 3 is Based on This *Disturbing* True Story". Cosmo.ph. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  11. ^ "สลดใจ รับน้อง ม.ดัง ภูเก็ต สาวโดนรุ่นพี่สั่งลงโทษ วิ่งจนช็อกเสียชีวิต". www.thairath.co.th (in Thai). August 21, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  12. ^ "🖤😈 - @kittychicha". www.instagram.com. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  13. ^ Hollman, Raquel (February 2, 2023). "The Best Junji Ito Adaptation Isn't an Adaptation at All". Collider. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  14. ^ Tabanera, Lily Grace. "Chanya McClory Auditioned For 'Girl From Nowhere' Just Days After A Brain Surgery". Cosmo.ph.
  15. ^ Sullivan, Corrinne (October 31, 2018). "28 New and Returning Netflix Shows Everyone Will Be Talking About This October". PopSugar. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  16. ^ "'Girl from Nowhere Season 2' to premiere on Netflix May 7". Manila Bulletin. April 26, 2021.
  17. ^ "Asia Contents Awards". asiacontentsawards.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  18. ^ Frater, Patrick; Souw, Rebecca (October 7, 2021). "Busan's Asia Contents Awards Dominated by Netflix Series". Variety. Retrieved October 7, 2021.

External links[edit]