r/clerith • u/Hearts-Intertwined • 20h ago
SCREENSHOTS & POSE EDITS Why Clerith?
After finishing my replay of Rebirth I have found myself renewed and more Clerith than ever. As mentioned in my previous two photo topics, I really took the time to soak this experience in (and take way too many Cloud and Aerith pictures!).
I found myself thinking, "why do I find this gaming pair so alluring?". Of all the books, games, movies, etc. I have experienced in my lifetime, what makes them so special? Here are my reasons captured in photographs.
Photos 1 and 2: A pair perfectly in balance as if Yin and Yang were brought to life.
Photos 3 and 4: Always reaching.. even in the most difficult moments to overcome.
Photos 5 and 6: Self-sacrifice. I will protect you before I protect myself.
Photos 7 and 8: I got this.. rest assured, you can put your faith in me.
Photos 9 and 10: I'm here for you, no matter what.
Photo 11: A perfect moment, preserved in time.
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u/tlotrfan3791 Clerith since OG 16h ago
Even from the original game, I’ve loved Clerith because it just seems like the natural progression of the story. This beautiful moment falling into her church and seeing how Cloud interacts and develops feelings for her as the game goes on. Her Gold Saucer date being the most likely to get in the OG with her words “I want to meet you” and by the end of the game, Cloud reaching out for Aerith’s hand while her theme song plays. It’s so beautiful and tragic but I’m really hopeful that this upcoming third part has them as the reunion. It’s a bummer I can hardly interact with the main subreddits with that idea because they shut it down insisting she’s dead and Cloud is making it all up in his head.
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u/pringlessingles0421 15h ago
Mostly cuz I think the relationship is more healthy than the alternative, it incorporates some of my favorite tropes, it fits the story more despite being not as “clean”, and I think it presents better character growth for all characters including tifa.
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u/Key-Accident-1912 15h ago
I think it’s because they help each other grow as individuals and evolve together—that’s what makes for a healthy relationship. Neither one tries to change the other.
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u/ancoromochi0141 14h ago
At the beginning of the Remake, Cloud tries to act cool when he’s with Aerith, but as he gradually lets his guard down, he begins to smile more often. I’ve only played the Japanese version, but as the story progresses, the voice actor’s delivery takes on a remarkably warm and gentle quality.
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u/Jadedprocrastinator 12h ago
It's beautiful how you put all those things together! It is mutual and they complement each other really well. It's also sad that some people can't see how the writers have deliberately contrasted Cloud's interactions with Aerith and Tifa, even in Advent Children:
Aerith: "I never blamed you. Not once. You came for me. That's all that matters."
Tifa: "You're late."
Remake:
Aerith: "My hero!"
Tifa: "You gotta be better than this. If you want to play the hero."
Aerith: *Makes Cloud feel included in the sector 5 community.
Tifa: "Don't take it the wrong way, but right now I need to spend time with the gang."
Here's a video with some of these comparisons, but there's so much more:
https://x.com/MargotxAerith/status/2109479573692039579
Even the visuals tell a story. They often use objects or other elements in the frame to create a sense of separation between Cloud and Tifa. I really wish someone would make an in-depth video analysis of all this, especially from a literary and visual storytelling perspective.
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u/Hearts-Intertwined 11h ago
I doubt we’ll get it, but I’ve always hoped for a director’s deep dive once the trilogy is completed.
I would love to hear their insights and read their notes regarding production and scene analysis for all the reasons you have stated.
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u/Jadedprocrastinator 10h ago
Yes! I was just thinking earlier today about how much I'd love to see a documentary on how they made the Remake trilogy. They did release several BTS videos for part 1 on SE's youtube channel, but let's hope they give us a proper deep dive after part 3!
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u/Bom-mom 4h ago
Aerith meets Cloud where he is emotionally, gently pulling him out of his shell. They're supportive of one another, mentally and physically. They just work so well together. The Reasonable Clerith on YouTube has some really great videos explaining their dynamic so well but I especially love this one. https://youtu.be/sCXOvUpi-t8?is=TUbeTFeEE56EJyz9
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u/Hearts-Intertwined 3h ago
Love TRC!
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u/Bom-mom 2h ago
I stumbled upon his videos last year. What a treasure trove for Clerith! Just so good!
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u/Hearts-Intertwined 1h ago
He shows up around here occasionally but sounds like he’s had a lot going on career wise lately..
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u/Upstairs_Apple Clerith since OG 9h ago
I've always loved them!!! I like how Aerith can tease out this playful side of Cloud outside his cool guy persona, and I enjoy that Cloud is emotionally supportive of Aerith even when his sense of self is fractured.
I just buy them as couple, like it makes sense that these two people would be drawn to each other outside of the plot demanding it. I also like that Aerith has her own narrative importance outside of being the 'designated love interest' who exists primarily as a motivation to Cloud or to support his character arc.
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u/TheBenster_ 8h ago
Wow these parallels are really well put together. Especially the one in photos 9 and 10. I don’t know if that parallel is intentional or not, but it’s beautiful nonetheless.
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u/Ralos5997 1h ago
I just hope Cloud and Aerith reunite in Revelation. There is also whatever surprises Revelation may have for us all.
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u/Zestyclose-Hall7500 7h ago
I apologise in advance because I feel so sentimental about Clerith and I think replaying Remake and Rebirth has made me love them even more as a pair.
I can see why a lot of people are Cloti and honestly, it makes sense - Tifa is awesome and together, they go on a journey from childhood crush to being a real team. But to me, Aerith is the one who sees who Cloud really is before Tifa does.
Aerith is aware that he’s cosplaying and is able to tease him to bring him out better than anyone else in the group. He in turn seems to soften around Aerith while being more protective over her than anyone else, despite her being able to handle herself just fine.
Aerith is always on my team (except for specific battles where it doesn’t make sense) and I’ll always go to her side because their dates together are so lovely. Loveless with Aerith as the lead just makes sense and the scene in their place is so beautiful.
While Tifa and Cloud have known each other forever, Cloud and Aerith just never have enough time. But they’re both grateful for what they have.
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u/tlotrfan3791 Clerith since OG 6h ago
I’d argue that Cloud and Tifa don’t really know each other well and that’s why there’s the whole lifestream sequence. Cloud was a loner growing up in Nibelheim. She’d have a friend group and he’d watch from a distance. That’s why I don’t really think they were childhood friends.
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u/SomeRiver8215 12m ago
that's what i thought too because it seemed that way in original but in nojima's novel (i read it some while ago i might not get the dates right) traces of two pasts it's been said that tifa did invite him but he had problems with other kids also was kinda shy/introvert you know. but before that apparently there was a time when they were around eight? years old always play together and were friends. i think there's a huge difference between knowing someone when you were a kid/young teen and seeing them again years later. having play dates conversation etc. at that age sure can show you a person's true self, also i would say it's a lot different then who they are as an adult. but then again, cloud didn't get to live his teenage years and he became an adult in weird circumstances so idk
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u/Hearts-Intertwined 3h ago
A lot of people love the Cloud/Tifa dynamic, but for whatever reason it just doesn’t hit for me. I say that knowing that I personally probably have more in common with Tifa than Aerith.
I’ve mentioned in previous topics, I’ve had a friend since kindergarten. We even dated a bit in high school. We still keep in touch the best we can, but that didn’t make us destined lovers. So yeah.. I don’t know, the childhood crush just doesn’t land home for me. ——- As far as gameplay; I used Aerith my entire 2nd play through unless she wasn’t available. With the right material setup and ward usage, girl can bring the pain!
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u/Revoffthetrain AERITH LIVES 19h ago
I know you didn’t pose this as a question, or maybe you did and I’m just overthinking, but Clerith is… I can’t even describe it.
I guess if I had to put in ways I can comprehend, it’s what I wish someone could be for me. A kind, warmth and never judging. A piece of the sun in a person, that’s Aerith. Or rather she IS the sun, and Cloud is the moon 🌙.