Bad Genius
cast roles
about the project and casting
Synopsis
“Bad Genius” is a Thai heist thriller film that follows Lynn (Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying), a top student who devises an elaborate cheating scheme for her friends to pass exams. Initially, the plan starts small, with Lynn helping her friends Grace (Eisaya Hosuwan) and Pat (Teeradon Supapunpinyo) cheat in local exams. However, the operation soon escalates when they decide to take the scheme internationally, attempting to cheat the STIC (a fictional version of the SAT). Lynn’s rival, Bank (Chanon Santinatornkul), initially exposes the cheating but later joins the group when his family’s financial needs push him to compromise his morals.
Critical Reception
“Bad Genius” received widespread acclaim for its inventive plot, suspenseful execution, and social commentary on academic pressure and corruption. It was praised for its direction, screenplay, and the performances of its young cast, particularly Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, who won several awards for her role as Lynn.
Awards and Nominations
The film garnered numerous accolades, including:
- Best Feature at the New York Asian Film Festival
- Best Director at the Fantasia International Film Festival
- Several awards at the Thailand National Film Association Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying.
Cultural Impact
“Bad Genius” not only became the highest-grossing Thai film of 2017 but also achieved international success, being released in multiple countries and languages. It sparked discussions on educational ethics and the pressures faced by students, resonating with audiences worldwide. The film’s success led to its adaptation into a TV series and stage play, further cementing its impact on Thai popular culture.
Film Adaptation
As of July 30th, 2024, Vertical has acquired North American rights to “Bad Genius,” an English-language remake of the same-name Thai thriller, from Picturestart, Picture Perfect Federation, and Little Ray Media. Marking the directorial debut of J.C. Lee, a veteran producer whose credits include “The Morning Show” and “How to Get Away with Murder”.
