‘The Cliche’ Netflix Movie Review - A Witty Satire on Soap Operas, Fame, and Second Chances

Netflix’s The Cliche, a Thai comedy-drama released in 2024, offers a humorous and surprisingly heartfelt look at the world of television production. Directed by Chadchawal Wisawabumrungchai, the film cleverly walks the line between parody and sincerity, serving up laughs while poking fun at melodramatic storytelling conventions. But beneath its satirical exterior lies a deeper commentary on personal growth, creative compromise, and the often absurd intersection between life and art.

The story centers on a struggling content creator, played by Itkron Pungkiatrussamee, who finds himself in hot water after vandalizing the headquarters of a major production company. Instead of pressing charges, the company’s owner offers him an ironic punishment: he must work off the damages by directing a cheesy soap opera—the very kind of formulaic content he’s spent years mocking.

Reluctantly accepting the offer, he’s thrown into a world he despises: over-the-top storylines, dramatic monologues, and plot twists that defy logic. But as filming progresses, he begins to notice something strange—his own life starts mirroring the absurd events of the show. What begins as a comedic jab at clichés gradually transforms into a personal journey of discovery, redemption, and a reluctant admiration for the genre he once scorned.

The Cliche thrives on its self-awareness. The film doesn’t just parody soap operas—it uses their predictable structure to comment on the human tendency to fall into repetitive patterns. The title itself is a nod to the tropes it gleefully exposes, but also a reflection of the protagonist’s own creative stagnation. This blend of satire and sincerity allows the film to avoid becoming just another spoof. Instead, it emerges as a thoughtful look at how we come to terms with our past, our failures, and our need to connect—even through cliché.

Itkron Pungkiatrussamee gives a standout performance as the jaded creator turned reluctant soap director. His mix of exasperation, sarcasm, and eventual vulnerability makes for a compelling character arc. Supporting cast members, including Atitaya Tribudarak and Pisitpol Ekaphongpisit, help flesh out the production crew and cast of the fictional soap, adding layers of humor and emotional grounding.

Director Chadchawal Wisawabumrungchai strikes a careful balance between mocking and celebrating the melodrama. The film's visual style mimics the soap opera aesthetic, complete with exaggerated lighting, melodramatic zooms, and theatrical dialogue. These stylistic choices enhance the film’s meta tone while keeping the audience in on the joke.

If you’re in the mood for a smart, funny, and slightly absurd comedy that offers more than just surface-level laughs, The Cliche is well worth watching. With its sharp wit, self-aware humor, and a plot that cleverly blurs the lines between fiction and reality, the film manages to satirize soap operas while also delivering genuine moments of introspection. It’s a refreshing take on creative burnout, personal redemption, and the unexpected places where inspiration can be found. Whether you're a fan of Thai cinema or simply looking for something offbeat and meaningful, this quirky gem is sure to entertain.

Final Score- [7.5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times