The Medium

"The Medium" is a 2021 horror movie with an exceptional blend of the documentary-style filmmaking and found-footage horror sub-genre. The movie boasts a remarkable international collaboration between Thai director Banjong Pisanthanakun and South Korean screenwriter duo, the Na Hong-jin - best of their genre, known for their eerie narratives and the craft on horror filmmaking. The movie stars Narilya Gulmongkolpech, Sawanee Utoomma, and Sirani Yankittikan in the lead roles, whose performances exceptionally enhance the overall fright through this narrative journey, making this film a truly gripping and haunting cinematic experience.

The storyline of "The Medium" is set in the rural backdrop of Isan, a culturally-rich, northeastern region of Thailand, known for its local animistic beliefs and the traditional role of shamanistic mediums who communicate with the spiritual world. The native belief system and the spiritual folklore of the region serve as a rich thematic canvas for the eerie narrative of the movie.

The movie's plot revolves around the life of a traditional family, where the shamanistic power is inherited by the women in the family, working as the medium to the local guarding spirit. The ability of the current family shaman, Nim (played by Sawanee Utoomma), is unquestioned amongst the local community members and her family. However, her niece Mink, played by Narilya Gulmongkolpech, is dismissive of these supernatural beliefs until her sister starts showing signs of possession.

In a compelling twist, Mink's sister starts exhibiting strange and unexplainable behavior typical of someone chosen to be the guarding spirit’s medium. Yet, this shouldn't be happening as the divine signs are threateningly different from local beliefs. To add to this uncanny situation, a documentary filmmaker documenting the life of their family and the local traditions captures all these occurrences, adding to the real-like horror thread of the movie.

These unanticipated circumstances lead Mink, who initially dismissed these beliefs as mere local folklore, to critically examine the circumstances. Mink is compelled to face the grim, terrifying side of her cultural traditions she once ridiculed, leading her on a chilling encounter with the netherworld.

Narilya Gulmongkolpech's powerful performance as Mink brings about her character's right amount of skepticism and later, fear while dealing with the supernatural happenings that she initially scoffed at. The performances of the entire cast are commendable. Sawanee Utoomma as Nim and Sirani Yankittikan in her challenging role deserve a special mention for their absolutely believable portrayal of their characters enveloped in this supernatural thread.

The direction of Banjong Pisanthanakun paired with the screenplay by the Na Hong-jin makes "The Medium" a standout paranormal horror flick. The movie tastefully blends the found-footage horror approach with a documentary style, often switching between footage from handheld camera and professional grade shots. This duality serves to build an atmosphere of foreboding dread and uncertainty, making for a genuinely terrifying perception.

The film furthermore uses elements of the local customs and rituals through the use of traditional music, portrayal of rituals, and beliefs, to enhance the dark, ominous ambiance that "The Medium" carries throughout its runtime. The filmmakers expertly weave the use of local customs, sound, and visual framing techniques to create a horror movie that is sensory and atmospheric rather than relying on simple jump scares.

What truly sets "The Medium" apart as a compelling horror movie is its ability to delve beyond the surface level of fear. The film addresses deep-rooted cultural beliefs and the implications they hold, dissecting the fear of what lies beyond our rational understanding. It’s not just about paranormal activities, but also reflects on the deeply ingrained beliefs and customs that can actually govern one's life.

In conclusion, "The Medium" is a chilling, atmospheric, culturally enriched horror film that stands out in its genre. If you’re a fan of supernatural horror, rich in cultural context and enriched by impressive performances, then "The Medium" is sure to be an enthralling and terrifying experience worth the watch.