Make Me Shudder

Make Me Shudder is a comedic horror film directed by Poj Arnon and hailing from Thailand. The entertaining plot, charismatic characters, and unique twist on the horror genre make it a memorable addition to international cinema. Released in 2013, the film explores the dark and mythical aspects of Thai folklore and mythology. Despite its horror genre, the movie somehow perfectly combines chills and chuckles, feeding amusement along with adrenaline rush.

Set primarily within a school setting, the film follows a vibrant group of high school friends known for their mischievous antics and love for thrill-seeking adventures. The leading roles are played by hugely talented actors, namely Kunatip Pinpradub (Nick), Chutcha Rujinanon (Mew), and Kittipat Samarntragulchai (James). They are complemented by Brian Richard Garton, an English teacher named Mr. Banjong who provides a counterpoint to the teenagers' audacious antics.

The movie starts as Nick, the ringleader, seeks desperate measures to prove his courage and manhood, boasting about his fearlessness toward spirits. Matching his daredevil claims he convinces his group of friends to venture into a notoriously haunted building within their school. Known for horror fables and frightening stories, this abandoned building is the ideal place to test the team's audacity. For their adventure, they enlist the help of their English teacher, Mr. Banjong, who is portrayed brilliantly by Brian Richard Garton. The friends, enthusiastically led by Nick, invade the haunted building, and that's when the outlandishly hilarious yet nail-biting journey begins.

In this suspense-filled horror-comedy, the school's haunted building proves to be more than just a local myth. As the group explores, they encounter bone-chilling incidents, weird shadows, spine-tingling sounds, and eerie figures. But the unique aspect of the movie is that it frequently punctuates these scary moments with comical scenes. The friends find themselves stuck in a series of bizarre and funny situations, making their frightening journey more palpable and entertaining.

Poj Arnon masterfully mixed the elements of horror and comedy in Make Me Shudder. His direction presented a unique and refreshing take on a genre that often leans too heavily on gore and violence. Instead, he showcases the fear of the supernatural mixed in with the hilarity of human reactions and survival instincts under stress, resulting in a hilarious twist of events.

The terrific cast captures both the hair-raising and comic sides of the script with their exceptional performances. Kunatip Pinpradub's portrayal as the boastful and foolish Nick stands out, and Brian Richard Garton's depiction of Mr. Banjong brings an added layer of comic relief and authenticity to the story. Chutcha Rujinanon as Mew adds charm to the group dynamics with her top-notch performance.

The script, although predominantly in Thai, is easy to follow thanks to the excellent English subtitles. The camerawork and sound design also admirably highlight the film's macabre yet hilarious aspects. While you are taken through shadowy corners and long gloomy corridors, the background score keeps you on the edge of your seat, building tension before humor unexpectedly takes over.

Performances aside, the film is a visual treat with amazing set designs and tastefully done horror elements. The night shots, indoors and outdoors, are excellently designed and shot, and they encapsulate the eerie ambience of the haunted house. The lighting design also deserves a special mention as it greatly adds to the whole suspenseful atmosphere that the movie seeks to create.

Make Me Shudder pushes the boundaries of horror and comedy in a way that works extraordinarily well. Both the humorous and frightful scenes seem authentic, adding to the film's overall charm and entertainment factor. So, if you're looking for a unique mix of laughter and scares, this movie is sure to send both down your spine in unexpected ways.