"She really can't act": Speed and Love fans disappointed with Esther Yu's acting as show goes viral after long wait

Chinese romantic drama Speed and Love premiered on December 12, 2025. Since its release, the series has aired 12 episodes. It stars Esther Yu and He Yu in the lead roles.

After the premiere, several clips and compilations from the drama began circulating widely on social media, drawing increased attention to the show. As the clips gained traction, online discussions around the show followed, with criticism emerging around the female lead's performance.

Esther Yu, who plays protagonist Jiang Mu, faced backlash from sections of viewers who questioned her acting abilities. Social media platforms saw multiple critical reaction. A section of viewers expressed disappointment with her performance, questioning her acting skills and openly criticizing her portrayal of her character in Speed and Love. One comment that gained attention read,

“This acting really sucks, no feel of the emotion she expressing here, she really can’t act.”

Netizens continued to criticize her performance, stating that they find it difficult to connect with or feel the emotions she was trying to convey.

Other netizens echoed similar views, saying they were unable to feel the emotions in the scenes she appeared in.

However, some fans of the actress responded by stating that the portrayal aligned with the character’s personality, explaining that because the character was young, the acting style was intended to reflect that aspect of the role.

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Speed and Love: A tale of separation, survival, and reunion rooted in Shuang Gui

Speed and Love is a Chinese romantic drama adapted from the web novel Shuang Gui (双轨) by Shi Jiu Yuan. The series follows Jiang Mu and Jin Chao, whose lives took different paths when they were nine years old, following their parents’ divorce. Jiang Mu remained in the south, where she grew up in a stable and protected environment.

Her daily routine revolved around school, home, academic responsibilities, and constant fatigue from a demanding schedule. In contrast, Jin Chao moved north and later went abroad, where he faced an unstable life marked by survival struggles, danger, and morally complex choices.

Before the divorce, the siblings shared a comfortable family life. Jiang Mu was the cherished younger sister, while Jin Chao was regarded as a reliable and talented older brother.

This dynamic changed when their father left for Thailand with Jin Chao, a departure that also revealed Jin Chao’s status as an adopted child. Unable to come to terms with his sudden absence, Jiang Mu later traveled alone to Thailand to search for him.

When they reunited, Jiang Mu discovered that Jin Chao had changed significantly. The kind and optimistic boy she remembered had become a hardened young man shaped by years of hardship.

He was living on the margins of society, participating in underground boxing matches and dangerous racing competitions as a means of survival. Although Jiang Mu had long imagined meeting him again, the reality was unsettling, as the person standing before her felt distant from the brother she once knew.

As adults, their relationship evolves gradually. Jiang Mu continues to approach Jin Chao with persistence, while he initially keeps his distance, believing that his harsh reality should not affect her.

Over time, he begins to confront his emotions and moves closer to her. Despite his reluctance, Jiang Mu remains determined, choosing to stay by his side and help him return to their homeland, reconnect with family, and rediscover a sense of belonging.

The series portrays their bond as one shaped by separation, contrast, and eventual alignment, with both characters supporting each other through different yet complementary experiences. Speed and Love presents a coming-of-age romantic story built around emotional growth, resilience, and reunion.

Speed and Love stars Esther Yu as Jiang Mu and He Yu as Jin Chao. The supporting cast includes Fei Qiming, Mike Angelo, also known as Patrick Nattawat Finkler, Zhou Haoqi, and Chai Juan Zhe.

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Speed and Love spans 29 episodes, with each running for about 45 minutes. The series follows a daily release pattern, with new episodes airing throughout the week from Monday to Sunday. Viewers can watch the drama on streaming platforms Viki and iQIYI.

Edited by Adrija Chakraborty