In 2024, Thai director Ekachai Srivichai released The Cursed, a horror film that has since sparked significant backlash, with the director even threatening legal action against its critics. Despite high expectations, the film has been met with mostly negative reviews, with audiences pointing out a range of issues spanning from storytelling and character depth to technical elements like dialogue and sound design.
The film ambitiously attempts to deliver a complex plot but struggles to communicate its layers effectively, leaving viewers more puzzled than engaged. Dialogue is frequently described as awkward and unnatural, failing to create a believable or immersive experience. The characters, meanwhile, come across as poorly developed, with motivations that are either unclear or entirely absent, making their actions feel random or unconvincing.
Critics also noted that the film's sound design and general production quality fall short of horror genre standards, undercutting the tense atmosphere essential for a horror film. This disappointment is heightened by the film's missed opportunity to authentically incorporate southern Thai cultural elements like the Nora dance, which could have enhanced the film's eerie setting. Although these cultural elements could have added depth and resonance, they feel underutilized, resulting in a storyline that lacks the intended haunting impact.
In summary, The Cursed had the potential to be a unique cultural horror experience but, due to weak execution, left many viewers feeling let down.
