Inhuman Kiss

Inhuman Kiss is a phenomenal Thai movie released in 2019, which successfully blends themes of romance, drama, horror, and supernatural events. The film, set in the 1940s during World War II, is deeply ingrained in Thailand's rich folklore and mythological traditions. The haunting and beautiful supernatural love story is directed by Sittisiri Mongkolsiri and features brilliant performances from the lead trio Phantira Pipityakorn, Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang, and Sapol Assawamunkong.

The story revolves around the central character Sai (Phantira Pipityakorn), a young woman living in a small Thai village. The narrative unfolds as a heart-rending triangular love saga established among Sai, her childhood friend Noi (Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang), and Jerd (Sapol Assawamunkong), a young man who is Noi's best friend and has loved Sai since they were kids.

Throughout the movie, various elements of rural Thai culture and traditions are meticulously represented, adding a touch of authenticity to the film. The luxurious green rural settings and the quiet, tranquil village life are beautifully captured and transported directly to the audience. The viewer is immediately trapped in this serene comfort, just as the characters are stuck in this deceptive tranquility.

In a departure from the traditional romance setup, Sai's character is revealed as a 'Krasue,' a supernatural being from Southeast Asian folklore. Krasue is typically a beautiful woman during the day, however, transforms into a creature at night, with only her head attached to her internal organs floating around. An undulating mix of horror and sympathy intrudes the narrative as Sai battles her paranormal condition while navigating her emotional turmoil.

The love triangle among Sai, Noi, and Jerd throws up unexpected dilemmas, agonies, and sacrifices, and these characters are forced to confront their feelings, secrets, and the dangers that the supernatural condition brings. This horror element does not overshadow the core emotive part, making it an unusual romantic film.

Director Sittisiri Mongkolsiri skillfully uses the horror elements to enhance the individual struggles and their intertwined relationships. It's a testament to his superb handling that the film never collapses under its own weight of blending romance and horror. The narrative is effectively arranged against the backdrop of threat and mystery from the supernatural elements.

The performances from the central characters are praiseworthy. Phantira Pipityakorn delivers a powerful performance as Sai, emoting the suffering and turmoil of someone battling both emotional and supernatural conditions convincingly. Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang, as the passionate Noi, and Sapol Assawamunkong, as the ever-supportive and steadfast Jerd, offer strong performances, making the audience deeply invested in their characters.

The cinematography of Inhuman Kiss is captivating; the rural landscapes, the eerie supernatural sequences, and the intimate scenes are beautifully captured. There is a fable-like quality to many of the scenes, which adds a magical yet terrifying element to the film. This element adds depth to the film, reflecting the internal trials of the characters and the choices they are compelled to make.

Furthermore, the frequent use of natural lighting lends the film an ethereal, dreamlike quality that vividly contrasts the stark reality and grim circumstances narrated in the plot. The film's sound design and music are similarly atmospheric, using traditional Thai music and natural ambient sounds to stunningly amplify the narrative's various moods.

In the end, the 2019 movie Inhuman Kiss proves to be a fascinating exploration of love, sacrifice, and torment through a supernatural lens. It is an unusual supernatural love story that deviates significantly from the genre's clichés. This film uses horror not just for thrill but also to further narrate a poignant story of love and sacrifice. It's a commendable cinematic piece that confirms the universal appeal of heartfelt storytelling and the uncanny allure of the supernatural-mythical world-view.