Movie Review: The Medium (2021)
Synopsis
"The Medium," directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, is a Thai horror film that explores themes of possession, cultural spirituality, and familial bonds. Set in rural Thailand, the story revolves around a documentary crew that seeks to make a film about a shaman and her family, delving into the traditions of local spirit worship. The narrative primarily focuses on Nim, a shaman who regularly communicates with spirits, and her niece Mink, who comes to exhibit troubling behaviour following a series of traumatic events. As the filmmakers document the community’s beliefs and practices, they inadvertently uncover a sinister presence connected to Mink, leading to harrowing consequences. Blending documentary aesthetics with supernatural horror elements, "The Medium" builds a slow-burning tension that culminates in a series of shocking revelations that question the balance between belief and the material world.
Cast of Characters
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Narilya Gulmongkolpech as Nim
Nim is the central character and a shaman who embodies the spiritual traditions of her community. Her connection with the spirit world plays a crucial role in the unfolding events.
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Sirani Yankittikan as Mink
Mink, Nim’s niece, becomes the focal point of the film as she experiences a terrifying transformation linked to ancestral spirits.
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Burin John Duhag as a Documentarian
Serving as the lens through which the audience experiences the story, he portrays a character whose intentions may be more than just capturing local customs.
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Ratanaruang Taanasaranan as a Spirit Medium
This character plays an essential role in revealing the deeper spiritual conflicts and the repercussions of unaddressed psychological trauma.
- Sangthong as The Divine Being
A representation of the ancestral spirits, his presence highlights the ongoing struggle within the family and community.
Review
As far as the horror genre is concerned, "The Medium" positions itself within a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs and practices, steeped in the mythology of Thailand. It weaves traditional elements with innovative filmmaking techniques, specifically the use of a ‘mockumentary’ style to blur the lines between reality and fiction. This approach not only serves to enhance the authenticity of the experience but also creates a genuine sense of dread that lingers throughout the film.
From the outset, the film’s cinematography and sound design are commendable, presenting a visually striking landscape in which the drama unfolds. The lush rural setting of the Thai countryside creates a stark contrast with the haunting themes that pervade the film. The use of natural light coupled with careful mise-en-scène allows the audience to become engrossed in the world of the shaman and her deeply-rooted beliefs. Furthermore, the sound design is particularly effective, using shrieks, whispers, and ambient sounds to augment the tension without resorting to excessive jump scares or loud noises, a pitfall that many modern horrors often succumb to.
Narilya Gulmongkolpech’s performance as Nim deserves meticulousto pay attention, balancing strength with vulnerability. As a shaman, her character must embody both the resilience of cultural spirituality and the fragility of human emotion. Gulmongkolpech’s portrayal is layered, allowing the audience to connect deeply with her character’s internal struggles—fighting against the encroaching chaos linked to her niece and the ancestral spirit. The emotional weight she carries lends profound credence to the dramatic stakes involved.
The relationship dynamics between Nim and Mink are essential to the narrative. As Mink spirals into darkness due to her possession, the familial bonds are tested, creating an emotional core that transcends the horror elements. Sirani Yankittikan’s performance is haunting; she effectively conveys the transformation of Mink from a seemingly innocent young woman into a vessel of terror, imbuing her with a sense of tragic inevitability that underscores the theme of generational trauma.
The film does not shy away from exploring thought-provoking themes regarding faith and scepticism, particularly through the perspective of the documentary crew. They represent the outside world, often questioning the validity of the local beliefs and practices. Their intrusion into Nim’s spiritual world serves as a narrative device that raises the stakes and invites the audience to ponder: What happens when modernity clashes with tradition? The directors use their characters to create a dialogue on the importance of cultural practices, allowing viewers to witness the impact of dismissive attitudes towards established spiritual beliefs.
The momentum of "The Medium" builds steadily, methodically establishing its story arcs before plunging into terrifying territory. This gradual increase in intensity, coupled with character development, results in peaks of horror that are earned rather than forced. The pacing invites viewers to invest in the characters, making the startling climaxes all the more impactful.
However, as the narrative hurdle intensifies, some viewers might find a few moments leaning towards predictability, especially if they are seasoned horror aficionados. The film’s reliance on established tropes of possession, ancestry, and psychological horror may not feel particularly groundbreaking to those familiar with the genre. Nevertheless, the cultural specificity of its execution allows "The Medium" to stand apart from Western horror cliches, offering a fresh perspective rooted in Thai traditions and myths.
Another notable aspect is the film’s exploration of mental illness and trauma. It delves into how unresolved psychic burdens manifest within individuals and families, presenting possession not only as a supernatural occurrence but also as a psychological struggle. This duality enriches the narrative, providing depth to the characters’ experiences and creating room for analysis beyond mere entertainment.
In terms of visual effects and the grotesque elements of horror, "The Medium" effectively employs practical effects over CGI, resulting in a realism that enhances the chilling atmosphere. It takes an unapologetic approach to its horror; scenes of possession are particularly unsettling, balancing dread with an elegant portrayal of spiritual conflict.
Despite its merits, one might argue that "The Medium" could benefit from tighter editing, particularly in the final act, where the tension diminishes slightly due to lingering plotlines that may leave some viewers feeling detached. The existing secondary characters, who play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama, occasionally feel underdeveloped, which may limit the emotional depth of some key moments.
As the credits roll, "The Medium" leaves an indelible impression of enchanted horror married to cultural reverence. Its ability to foster a deep emotional connection with audiences, coupled with robust performances and a unique aesthetic, affirms its place within the realm of modern horror cinema. Balancing themes of familial allegiance, cultural significance, and the fictitious nature of documentary perspectives, the film ultimately serves as an introspective journey into the complexities of belief systems.
Conclusion
"The Medium" is a crafted piece of horror cinema that subverts genre expectations while remaining deeply rooted in Thai spirituality and culture. Through its nuanced storytelling, evocative performances, and expert use of a documentary style, it manages to transcend common horror tropes, offering a haunting exploration of possession and trauma. Its slow-burn tension culminates in a resonant conclusion that lingers long after the credits have rolled.
Score: 8/10
While not without its flaws, "The Medium" retains an engaging quality that is sure to resonate with fans of horror seeking something more profound than mere thrills.
