Summary
A Perfect Fit is a modern Cinderella fairytale with the depth of Balinese cultures and a realistic approach. It might not be a perfect movie, but everything collectively works to keep the movie together.
This review of the Netflix film A Perfect Fit (2021) does not contain spoilers.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with fabulous shoes.
We often focus on choosing the perfect clothes that fit the moment and forget about the last important thing that will comfortably take us far in life; perfect shoes. Have you noticed? Most of the time, the first thing that appeals to our eyes when we meet someone, other than their smiles, is their shoes. Life is similar to choosing shoes that fit the size of your foot perfectly. The right shoes will take you far, while the unfit ones leave you nothing but scars. I once read that a person’s character can be seen in the shoes they are wearing. A shoe defines your social status and added value to your worth.
A Perfect Fit is that kind of movie that pushes the whole shoe philosophy agenda to our life. It is an interesting, contemplative, yet refreshing movie. Directed by a young woman filmmaker Hadrah Daeng Ratu, known for her record-breaking movie, Makmun (2019), and written by Garin Nugroho, known for the controversial movie Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku (2020), A Perfect Fit is the first original Netflix Indonesia film alongside Starvision. It is something you will want to enrich your eyes with the healing cinematography of Bali.
The story is about Saski (Nadya Arina), a Balinese fashion blogger who faces a life-changing situation when fate leads her in front of a shoe shop, “Shoes, with Love.” She encounters a gentle and charming shoemaker, Rio (Refal Hady). The sparks quickly ignite between them, putting Saski on the verge of commitment on her engagement with her narcissistic and prestigious boyfriend, Deni (Giorgina Abraham).
The story itself feels like a remake of a classic Cinderella tale with a touch of Balinese heritage and a more realistic approach while keeping its cliches to swoon you over. Instead of a mother fairy, we have a psychic and eccentric woman carrying around a tarot card, with leaves and swan feathers as her wand. Instead of a damsel in distress, we get to see how one’s relationship can be the utter cage of your true self. We also get more realistic varieties of family values and struggles that shape the direction of each character. Saskia represents a modern-day Balinese woman who comes from a traditional upbringing that influences many decisions and perspectives. While on the other hand, we get to see Rio’s childhood friend, Tiara (Anggika Bolsterli), who comes from a wealthy and modern family with a hustling work ethic that values time and discipline over humility. But despite all of the differences, everyone gets their perfect fit.
The compelling thing about the movie is the values of Balinese cultures and traditions that run deep within the movie. Not only exploring the beauty of Bali’s scenery, but it also focuses more on its humanities aspect. From the dialogue, the rituals, the mystical stories, the sneak peek of culinary, the traditions within the marriage, to the fashion and the sets of properties that we have seen in the movie.
There is something quirky yet alluring about the way A Perfect Fit is written and directed. Rather than focusing on clarifying things in the dialogue, the writers intend to leave rawness and open spaces for actors to develop their actions and characters instead, keeping it true to their character and responding to each scene most naturally. But the only concern lies within the chemistry and exaltation of momentums. There is not much intensity nor tension shown from each character. Some parts are pushed or patched to fit the story rather than strengthen and engage the story itself. But kudos that the camera works to compliment the story and engages more with the audience. The tones and cinematography are enchanting.
Since women direct the movie, there’s an amount of sensitivity, sensuality, and attention to detail from the cinematography that indeed comes from women’s point of view and instinct. The scoring is authentic with a mixture of Gamelan Bali and western’s culture. The minimalism of the music works effectively with the scenes. Not to mention the appealing and high-end fashion, with ‘kain tenun’ as its main identity. I’m dying to buy every single fashion piece that is shown in the film.
Netflix’s A Perfect Fit might not be a perfect film, but everything collectively works to keep the movie together. If you’re tired of looking at your house walls or having a series of Zoom meetings all day and want to feel refreshed, then give this movie a try. Have a good time exploring Bali’s heritage with a light story to pass the time.
