Bad Genius

In the heart-wrenching drama Bad Genius, directed by Nattawut Poonpon, an exceptionally talented and resourceful student named Lynn (played by Chutimon Chuengcharoen), navigates the complexities of her privileged yet suffocating high school life. Lynn resides with her father and grandfather, who struggle to make ends meet. As she diligently balances her academic responsibilities and home obligations, she also dreams of securing a coveted place in a prominent university. This esteemed institution promises to unlock doors of unparalleled opportunities and social mobility for its students, allowing them to secure prosperous futures. The pressure to succeed weighs heavily on Lynn's slender shoulders. When a fellow student, Pat (played by Chanon Santinatornkul), discovers Lynn's impressive academic abilities, he becomes intrigued and impressed. He invites Lynn to tutor him, but their friendship blossoms into something more profound – a business proposition. Pat, along with a well-to-do friend, Bank (played by Aaron Shang-Shun Lui), presents Lynn with a golden opportunity to earn substantial sums of money by helping them cheat their way through key exams. Bank possesses a natural aptitude for learning, but is hampered by a limited understanding of the material. Therefore, he enlists Lynn's expertise and skillset to decipher complex subjects and provide him with answers during crucial test periods. Initially hesitant, Lynn is ultimately swayed by Pat and Bank's enticing offer. Her motivations are simple yet poignant – a means to escape the monotony and financial desperation of her home life. Her relationship with Pat becomes increasingly entwined in their academic machinations as they navigate the intricate web of their high-stakes scheme. In this partnership, Lynn uses her quick wit and exceptional abilities to decipher complex problems and memorize key information, helping Bank to ace his exams. Throughout their clandestine affair, Lynn also forms connections with another student, Ki (played by Trai Byutram). Ki harbors a passion for science and mathematics, often expressing his fascination with Lynn's intellect and academic prowess. This blossoming romance with Ki adds an extra layer of emotional depth to Lynn's complicated life, further complicating her relationship with Pat. Although Lynn finds solace in her friendships and romance with Ki, the demands of her partnership with Pat and Bank weigh heavily on her conscience. The stakes become increasingly high, threatening to compromise her relationship with Ki and risk her academic credentials. As Lynn and Pat's partnership flourishes, so too do their academic accomplishments. Their secret is shared by a select few within their elite school, fostering an aura of mystique and exclusivity around them. However, the duo must constantly navigate their web of deceit, avoiding the prying eyes of their teachers and other authorities. Lynn often struggles with feelings of moral ambiguity and guilt, which are intensified by the realization that her actions will significantly influence the lives of those she cares about. The tension building within Lynn's psyche becomes palpable, threatening to expose the secrets that have been carefully cultivated by her partnership with Pat. Meanwhile, Bank and Pat's friendship also undergoes a transformation. Bank becomes increasingly reliant on Lynn, who has become an indispensable source of knowledge and support. In contrast, Pat's growing arrogance and ego often leave him in discord with his partner. Pat, driven by self-centred ambition, seeks to elevate their clandestine partnership to the next level by leveraging their collective knowledge and talents to secure scholarships and top-tier university spots. As tensions escalate and the climax of the movie approaches, Lynn finds herself entangled in a tangled web of relationships and conflicting loyalties. Her partnership with Pat, as well as her blossoming romance with Ki, reach a point of irrevocable breakdown. In the aftermath of a shocking betrayal that has far-reaching implications, Lynn is left to grapple with the devastating consequences of her choices. Confronted by a harsh reality, Lynn makes a bold decision that signifies a departure from her precarious path and opens up new avenues for growth, introspection, and self-improvement.