Thai Horror Film "Inherit" Marks Banjong Pisanthanakun's Return to Directing

"Inherit" is an upcoming horror feature directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, a prominent Thai filmmaker known for his successful genre films such as "Shutter" and "Pee Mak." Produced by GDH 559, Thailand's leading production house, the film tells the story of a wealthy family whose carefully curated image begins to unravel when an ancient centipede spirit infiltrates their lineage. This project marks Pisanthanakun's return to directing after a five-year hiatus, with the screenplay adapted from the well-regarded Thai horror novel "Tayat Asun," which has been in print since 1991 and has inspired several television adaptations.

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South Korean film studio Barunson E&A, recognized for its involvement in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," has taken on international sales for "Inherit" across North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. This partnership builds on an existing relationship between Barunson E&A and GDH 559, reflecting a broader strategy by Barunson to expand its footprint in Southeast Asian cinema. The collaboration is expected to lead to further co-development and co-production opportunities between the two companies.

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The film explores themes of family, guilt, and hypocrisy, which are articulated by Yoonhee Choi, CEO of Barunson E&A, who emphasized the emotional depth and international appeal of the narrative. GDH 559's CEO, Jina Osothsilp, noted that "Inherit" is deeply rooted in Thai culture while addressing universal themes of legacy and the inescapable nature of familial ties. The film's lead cast includes Davika Hoorne, who has recently gained acclaim for her role in "A Useful Ghost," which won the Grand Prize at Cannes Critics’ Week.

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Banjong Pisanthanakun is celebrated as one of Southeast Asia's foremost genre directors. His 2004 film "Shutter" played a pivotal role in the Thai horror wave of the 2000s, while "Pee Mak" (2013) became Thailand's highest-grossing film, surpassing ten million admissions. His last film, "The Medium" (2021), received critical acclaim but faced challenges during its release due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Barunson E&A's involvement with "Inherit" is part of a strategic move to engage with emerging talent in Southeast Asia. The company has previously partnered with Indonesian director Joko Anwar and is looking to expand its collaboration with GDH 559 on future projects. This partnership signifies a growing interest in Southeast Asian narratives within the global film market.

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• “It is a story that feels deeply rooted in our culture, yet speaks to something universal about family, legacy, and what we cannot escape.” — Jina Osothsilp, CEO of GDH 559

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• “ Yoonhee Choi, CEO of Barunson E&A, added: “Beneath its genre framework, the film explores themes of family, guilt, and hypocrisy, giving it both emotional weight and strong international appeal.” — Yoonhee Choi, CEO of Barunson E&A

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This collaboration and the anticipated release of "Inherit" highlight the increasing globalization of film production and the potential for cross-cultural storytelling in the horror genre.

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