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'A Perfect Fit': Netflix's clichéd Indonesian rom-com may be just what we need
The makers of the latest Indonesian-language Netflix original had a good intention to explore female empowerment, but relies too much on anachronistic clichés and stereotypes, and yet still presents the comforts of a formulaic, feel-good rom-com.
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Formulaic rom-com: Nadya Arina (left) and Refal Hady are all loving smiles in a still from 'A Perfect Fit', a Netflix Film written by award-winning filmmaker Garin Nugroho and directed by Hadrah Daeng Ratu. While the film isn't exactly "contemporary", its schmaltzy quality might be just what the doctor ordered for these challenging times. (Netflix/Courtesy of Netflix Indonesia)
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tarVision Plus’ A Perfect Fit falls short in its intention to promote female empowerment and ends up as yet another sugary love story that emphasizes style over substance. Then again, perhaps this is just the kind of “comfort food” that we all need right now.
The 112-minute film follows the story of a young Balinese woman named Saski (Nadya Arina), who is engaged to Deni (Giorgino Abraham), an arrogant and domineering man but someone her family feels would make a perfect life partner. Then a chance encounter between Saski and a modest and handsome shoemaker named Rio (Refal Hady) turns her life upside down.
Saski is torn between wanting to follow her heart and her desire to respect her family’s wishes as her culture dictates.
Deni’s family is higher than hers in the Balinese caste system, which is why Saski’s mother (Ayu Laksmi) wants him as her future son-in-law. Saski also feels that her family owes Deni’s family, as they paid for her ailing mother’s medical bills.
When Saski meets Rio, she is immediately attracted to him. Rio is the polar opposite of Deni, which prompts Saski to reflect on her life and her choices.
Written by award-winning veteran filmmaker Garin Nugroho and directed by Hadrah Daeng Ratu, A Perfect Fit uses the Balinese setting and cultural traditions to spice up the story. At a virtual press conference held on July 15, Hardah said the shoes that Rio works with each day are a metaphor for love, representing two hearts that match each other.
Consequently, A Perfect Fit comes off as just another romantic comedy that dabbles with all the possible clichés. The central “shoe” metaphor could have been a stronger device, but it never goes beyond the basic idea of two objects that fit together as a pair.
