Intha, the manic pixie dream boy (and i want more of him)
As someone who had a cinephile phase and had a fixation for the manic pixie dream girl/boy trope, my 21 year old self would have been screaming the moment Intha gets introduced in the first ep of Cherm Chey.
disclaimer: everything in this post are purely unfiltered thoughts of mine. And i would be referencing from this video when talking about the mpdb trope and why intha is considered as one. PPS: the mpdb trope is not a one size fits all. Each character is unique which is what i love about storytelling.
Intha’s timing
“swoops in when you least expect it, but when you need him the most.”
Our main character Erng went through a very recent breakup from a long term relationship, which means he definitely has to start over. Not only his love life got affected, but the bar he owns is also on the trenches given that his business partner was his ex. What does he need? Healing, rediscovering, soul-searching. His friend spends for his soul-searching trip he was unsure of going but went anyway since his friend already spent on it… prays upon arrival for a new man and look what he got…
“He exists partly as wish fulfillment”
Compared to the mpdg, where in films always portrayed as the edgy, jaded, alternative character (here, Erng fits more of that aesthetic). (Okay, i’ll check the dyed hair here for the mpdb profile) Since it’s not a one size fits all, the mpdb is a more laidback, old soul, treats life as a learning experience, can have jaded ideals too, but often exists for the growth of the ML.
He often feels mysterious or “outside society, This “otherness” makes him seem emotionally intriguing.
What i like about the trope is the certain mystery around his identity. We’ll probably get to know more of Intha soon but for now, there’s a certain mystery to him, where he came from, what’s the deal with him, what does he want, but you’re not actually worried for him because you know he’ll be fine, he seems like he’s got it together despite also having struggles we don’t know yet.
And he’s willing to take that road with Erng, despite meeting him just that day. Free-spirit, old soul.
He’s not actually looking for love, but if it comes, he’ll take it.
“He functions as an emotional rescuer”
Aggressively charming and charismatic. He knows Erng will fall for him. But he does not use that advantage to use or manipulate him into falling for him. He gives good advice, based on his experience. But like I said, he may also have struggles but I do want to say he is emotionally intelligent. He is everything Erng’s ex is not and Erng probably likes him the moment he saw him that’s why he followed him. I can’t wait for In to fall harder for Erng.
His quirks
He’s not a mpdb if he is not uniquely quirky. He seems boring and ordinary on the surface, but little details make him the mpdb. His old soul yet free spirit is also a unique trait to him. Little detail, his obsession with man purse which I find oddly cute. He seems to be 💰loaded💰 but is a cheapass, from his bag, his phone, his clothes. Maybe frugal is the right word.
Erng is definitely the quirky one by the books. Alternative, edgy, his motto is probably “susuka pero hindi susuko” (will puke but won ‘t give up) which is a running joke in the context of drinking, alcohol, night life in the modern times. He is probably living a fast-paced life, got burned out, and met Intha who is probably burned out as well. Intha helps him to live in the moment. Erng helps Intha to live a little, be young and wasted.
The manic pixie dream boy reflects a growing desire for a different kind of masculinity; one that is emotionally open, gentle, creative, and emotionally safe. He often serves as a transformative figure who helps others rediscover joy, healing, and authenticity.
Ultimately, the manic pixie dream boy reveals not only changing expectations of romance and masculinity in media, but also a deeper cultural longing for emotional intimacy, understanding, and human connection.
