2023’s Home for Rent might not immediately strike you as a terrifying choice for your watchlist, but as the old adage goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” In this case, the same applies to a Netflix thumbnail. Thai horror films have a knack for unsettling Western audiences by expertly blending jump scares and special effects with compelling storylines.
Possession films often present a challenge within the horror genre, particularly when it comes to crafting out originality. However, Home for Rent manages to rise above that by creating the suspense in its first half, immediately grabbing your attention. Despite its lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes, the film never drags. Instead, it opts for a slow-burn approach to build on the story and character development, as well as creating an intrigue into why the house’s new tenants are so mysterious.
From the opening, we’re introduced to a married couple, Ning (Nittha Jirayungyurn) and Kwin (Sukollawat Kanarot), who live an ordinary life. Due to their financial issues, they are forced to rent out their house to what appears to be a normal family: a retired doctor named Ratree (Penpak Sirikul) and her daughter Nuch (Namfon Pakdee). The couple proceed to move into their condo along with their young daughter, Ing (Thanyaphat Mayuraleela). As weird events slowly take place, things take a significant turn when Ing celebrates her 7th birthday. For her birthday, all she wanted was a toy, a Guri doll, and of course, it’s a creepy one. The moment the doll gets into the child’s hands, it somehow automatically makes the film take a darker, sinister approach, perhaps due to the level of unknown fear that inanimate objects hold.
It’s through the use of sound that creates the impending sense of doom, as we know something bad is about to happen; we just don’t know when, and it works well. Add into the mix the haunting cult chants, the screeches of crows, and the fast-paced editing, and these details create an atmosphere that makes this film a real treat to watch.
As is often the case in horror films, the burden falls upon the distressed mother, portrayed as irrational in her quest to shield her daughter, Ing, from the clutches of nighttime horrors and her enigmatic and secretive father. Nittha’s performance truly convinces, portraying a mother’s genuine panic and determination to safeguard her child.
In the second act, following Ning’s perspective, we are then introduced to Kwin’s narrative, unveiling an emotional dimension to the audience. This depiction swiftly reshapes our perception of him; while he retains his peculiarity, it’s interesting to see how viewers naturally empathise with the grieving character. However, in this scenario, it seems unfitting to sustain sorrow towards Kwin for too long. His past traumas exert a significant influence on his character; nevertheless, if they had been financially secure, this challenge could have been approached more healthily, perhaps through therapy.
The plot effectively keeps you engaged, drawing you into the suspense of what’s to come next. While Kwin’s intentions to use Ing as bait for the cult are apparent, she insists on aiding her father. Their combined performances create a compelling portrayal of an emotional father-daughter bond. Additionally, we gain insight into Ratree’s perspective and her personal trauma regarding her daughter. The final thirty minutes deliver a thrilling rush as every remaining puzzle piece is deftly assembled. As the doll gradually takes over Ing’s body, the tension escalates, resulting in genuine fear. The ultimate message of the final act revolves around the lengths to which grieving parents will go to preserve their child’s life.
The reason behind such a stellar horror picture is all thanks to the creative team. Renowned director Sopon Sakdaphisit has carved out a name for himself in Thai horror with hits like Coming Soon and The Swimmers. During the possession scenes, it appears as though Sopon drew influence from the Insidious franchise of 2011. With the ominous presence of the deceased lurking in the shadows and the chaos of possession, it brings the eerie essence seen in the American franchise.
The pre-credits of Home for Rent inform us that the plot is inspired by true events, and while it can be an easy tactic to instantly scare the viewer, in this instance, it works. The real-life issue depicted in the film is the simplicity of how these horrors can manifest in everyday life, and how ordinary people struggle to cope with their grief.
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Written by Kirsty Bright
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