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Set in 1972 Thailand, Death Whisperer follows a rural family that is suddenly threatened by an evil presence that is haunting one of the daughters. This forces the entire family to mend their differences to stick together and try to overcome this presence. It is the older son, Yak (Nadech Kugimiya), who has just returned from military service who takes the lead against the threat.
I saw this film being recommended by someone on Twitter and it looked interesting, so I decided to give it a try. I thought it was very nicely shot and directed film, with some pretty good blocking. I also thought the whole atmosphere of dread was effectively conveyed, and the many ways that this evil presence manifests itself really worked, with some icky moments without necessarily resorting to full gore.
Aside from the technical aspects, most of the performances were pretty good. The two girls that play the two main sisters were pretty good, especially Rattanawadee Wongtong, who plays Yam. I also liked the way they develop the family dynamics and the different strains and affections within the siblings and parents. Some of those could've been fleshed out more, especially Yak and the younger brother, but they still worked to some level.
The film does rely on many jumpscares, some of them work and some don't, but the solid technical aspects more than make up for those crutches. The film is also very openly setting up for a sequel, which might leave some disappointed; but I think that where they left it still made for a satisfactory and closed story.
Grade:
DEATH WHISPERER
(2023, Wantha)
A film from Thailand
(2023, Wantha)
A film from Thailand
"This spirit is a master manipulator. An untrained mind will be easily swayed. Even a strong mind will turn violent."
Set in 1972 Thailand, Death Whisperer follows a rural family that is suddenly threatened by an evil presence that is haunting one of the daughters. This forces the entire family to mend their differences to stick together and try to overcome this presence. It is the older son, Yak (Nadech Kugimiya), who has just returned from military service who takes the lead against the threat.
I saw this film being recommended by someone on Twitter and it looked interesting, so I decided to give it a try. I thought it was very nicely shot and directed film, with some pretty good blocking. I also thought the whole atmosphere of dread was effectively conveyed, and the many ways that this evil presence manifests itself really worked, with some icky moments without necessarily resorting to full gore.
Aside from the technical aspects, most of the performances were pretty good. The two girls that play the two main sisters were pretty good, especially Rattanawadee Wongtong, who plays Yam. I also liked the way they develop the family dynamics and the different strains and affections within the siblings and parents. Some of those could've been fleshed out more, especially Yak and the younger brother, but they still worked to some level.
The film does rely on many jumpscares, some of them work and some don't, but the solid technical aspects more than make up for those crutches. The film is also very openly setting up for a sequel, which might leave some disappointed; but I think that where they left it still made for a satisfactory and closed story.
Grade: