There is a common thread that runs through Cautionary Tale which is that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. No one knows this better than director Christopher Zawadzki, who makes his feature-length debut with this highly emotional, music-led drama. Taking inspiration from his real-life experience living in Bangkok and befriending a local musician, the passion Zawadzki pours into this project does not go unnoticed. Set to beautifully crafted original songs, Cautionary Tale is a film worth diving into head first.

On Heartache and Healing

The film tells the story of Neil Kefalas (Ted Limpert), an American children’s TV show host who struggles to regain a sense of identity after the loss of his daughter. Neil’s passion for creating music died the day he lost his child, however, life goes on, and Neil is forced to make the best of an unimaginable situation. His current job, hosting the hit children’s show “Cautionary Tales with Safety Sam” pays the bills but doesn’t satisfy the soul. One day, the network tells Neil that a company in Bangkok recently bought the licensing rights to the show. He is expected to travel to Asia and play “Safety Sam” for a couple of weeks to familiarize their new audience with the character.

Shortly after arriving in Bangkok, Neil meets Bryce, an American expat who manages a bar. Sensing Neil’s loneliness and interest in music, Bryce invites him to the bar to check out the resident house band. Instantly, Neil is impressed by a girl group cover band. He strikes up a sweet conversation with one of its members, Cherry (Napak Boonruang), and they make arrangements to meet up the next day to play music together. It’s a wholesome pairing that brings out the best in each of them, and Neil becomes intoxicated by her positivity. For the first time in a long time, Neil’s passion for music begins to resurface.

Zen Buddhism Offers a Fresh Start

Despite their shared love of music and budding friendship, Neil isn’t forthcoming with Cherry about his tortured past. Since arriving in Bangkok, he has created a facade that his daughter is still alive and his career in the States is skyrocketing. The reality is that not only does Neil not want to be defined by his career, or lack thereof, but he is also not ready to say goodbye to his daughter. The truth seems impossible to admit until Neil begins to practice the art of Zen Buddhism and learning suffering is a part of life and unavoidable. Yet attachment only brings heartache. Most importantly, he comes to accept that nothing is forever. This new mindset gives Neil the strength to come clean about his circumstances to Cherry and Bryce, and only then are they able to build an authentic friendship.

Art Imitates Life in This Intimate Story of Introspection

Art imitates life in Cautionary Tale, as director Christopher Zawadzki drew inspiration from his time living in Bangkok. While there, he actually did become a fan of an all-girl band led by Napak Boonruang. In a full circle moment, Boonruang agreed to join the film and contribute her original music. Ted Limpert, who plays Neil, is Zawadzki’s cousin. In addition to acting, he composed and performed the original score and songs, including the film’s key climatic song “If You Can’t Hear Me.” Visually, Cautionary Tale shows off the very best of Bangkok with its natural beauty and sun-soaked afternoons.

Takeaway

The tagline of Cautionary Tale is simple, yet effective: A lesson well learned leads to a life well lived. For a feature film debut, director Christopher Zawadzki elicits a winning combination of resourcefulness and confidence. Cautionary Tale is a real joy to watch and its message of radical acceptance is a universal touchpoint.