The Comfort (and Challenge) of Cliché: Why We Love What We Know… And When It Needs a Twist
Okay, let’s talk about clichés. That word often gets tossed around like a dirty accusation in film circles – “Oh, it's so cliché!” But I want to argue that the relationship we have with clichés is far more nuanced than simple dismissal. They’re not inherently bad. In fact, they’re fundamental building blocks of storytelling, offering us a sense of familiarity and comfort. Think about it: wouldn't a story be utterly bewildering if there were no recognizable patterns?
What is a cliché, really? It’s essentially a trope – a recurring theme or device – that has become so overused it’s lost some of its original impact. We recognize them instantly: the “chosen one” narrative, the meet-cute, the redemption arc… you name it. They're like those favorite sweaters in your closet - reliable, cozy, and predictable.
But predictability can also be a trap. That’s where clever filmmakers come in – they understand that to truly engage an audience, you often need to play with expectations. You need to acknowledge the cliché, then subvert it, twist it, or use it in a way that feels fresh.
Take "A Christmas Karen," for example. The premise itself leans heavily on familiar tropes: the holiday redemption story, the grumpy character learning empathy. But by grounding it in the contemporary “Karen” archetype – something we all recognize and have opinions about – it immediately injects a layer of satirical commentary that elevates it beyond simple sentimentality. It’s acknowledging the well-worn path while simultaneously poking fun at it.
Similarly, "Lantern's Lane" uses the classic haunted small town trope, but layers in elements of fractured friendships and past trauma to create something more unsettling than just jump scares. It asks us: what happens when the familiar monster isn't external, but a reflection of our own failings?
Even films that seem to embrace clichés wholeheartedly can be interesting because of how they do it. "Christmas with the Campbells" is pure comfort food – charming cousin, heartwarming holiday spirit – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! It delivers exactly what you expect, and sometimes that's precisely what we crave.
Ultimately, the best films aren’t afraid to acknowledge clichés. They understand that they are a language we all speak, but they also know when to challenge that language, to surprise us, and to remind us why we fell in love with stories in the first place. So next time you hear someone dismiss something as "cliché," ask yourself: is it just cliché, or is there something more interesting happening beneath the surface?
What are some of your favorite examples of films that cleverly play with (or completely dismantle) familiar tropes? Let's chat!
