Note: This is a non-spoiler review.
Director Eakasit, the visionary behind a beloved horror franchise, teams up with the lead actor, Ter, Chantavit, best known for comedy and romance in Halabala-a psychological horror that defies expectations. The result? A chilling, genre-bending experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Eakasit's signature style shines here: expect twists that subvert without derailing, and a story that grips like a comic book unfolding chapter by chapter. The film introduces characters deliberately, weaving their arcs into a linear yet time-bending narrative that blurs reality for both protagonist and audience. This isn't just horror-it's a psychological puzzle, one that resolves 90% of its threads satisfyingly while leaving subtle breadcrumbs for eagle-eyed fans.
What sets Halabala apart is its embrace of biological horror (think visceral body horror) over tired supernatural tropes. Forget ghostly dread-this film trades suffocating terror for a slower, more cerebral unease. Jump scares exist, but they're earned, blending seamlessly into the story rather than relying on shock value. While it lacks the oppressive atmosphere of films like The Nun (2018) or The Medium (2021), Halabala carves its own niche with grotesque practical effects and a tone that feels almost... playful.
The film isn't without its flaw and a major one at that: Its soundtrack. Eclectic to a fault, the score veers from classical elegance to synthwave, drum 'n' bass, and even love rock. A climactic horror moment is undercut by jarring heavy metal, and the lack of a unifying melody leaves the music forgettable.
Another hiccup: subtitle inaccuracies. As a Thai native speaker, I caught clumsy translations (e.g., overusing "F word" for nuanced Thai profanity), which occasionally distract from the film's emotional beats. Non-Thai viewers might miss character subtleties, though the story's strength still shines through.
Ultimately, Halabala is a refreshing horror entry for those craving psychological depth over cheap scares. Its body-horror creativity, tight plotting, and mind-bending structure make it a standout-perfect for viewers tired of clichéd ghost stories. Just temper expectations for the soundtrack and subtitles.
8/10 - A weekend thrill with blood and guts.
