I recently had the opportunity to watch "Bad Genius", a movie that tries to tackle complex themes like genius, identity, and social pressure. Unfortunately, the film falls flat due to a convoluted and misguided concept.
A Confusing and Unengaging Plot
The movie follows a high school student, Lynn, who uses her genius-level intellect to cheat on exams and become a top student. However, as she rises to the top, she realizes that her actions are not aligned with her true self. The film tries to convey a message about the importance of staying true to oneself and rejecting social pressure, but it ends up feeling like a jumbled mess.
The plot is riddled with inconsistencies and plot holes, making it difficult to become invested in the characters or their struggles. The pacing is also uneven, with long stretches of boring exposition that fail to add any real depth to the story.
A Misguided Exploration of Genius and Identity
The movie's attempt to explore the concept of genius is particularly misguided. Lynn's genius is portrayed as a means to an end, rather than an inherent part of her personality or identity. This reduces her intelligence to a mere tool for achieving social status, rather than a genuine aspect of her character.
Furthermore, the film's portrayal of social pressure is overly simplistic and lacks nuance. The movie suggests that social pressure is the primary motivator for Lynn's actions, but it fails to explore the complexities of social expectations and the ways in which they can be both oppressive and liberating.
A Weak and Unengaging Cast
The cast of "Bad Genius" is equally disappointing. The lead actress, Chutimon, fails to bring any real depth or nuance to her character, making it difficult to become invested in her struggles. The supporting cast is equally one-dimensional, with characters that feel more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out people.
A Recommendation to Avoid
Overall, I would not recommend "Bad Genius" to anyone looking for a thoughtful and engaging movie experience. The film's convoluted plot, misguided exploration of genius and identity, and weak cast make it a chore to watch.
If you're looking for a movie that explores the complexities of social pressure and identity, I would suggest looking elsewhere. There are many better films that tackle these themes in a more nuanced and thought-provoking way.
