The Unseeable (2006)

Directed by: Wisit Sasanatieng | 97 minutes | horror | Actors: Suporntip Chuangrangsri, Tassawan Seneewongse, Siraphan Wattanajinda

‘The Unseeable’ is directed by the Thai Wisit Sasanatieng (‘Citizen Dog’, ‘Tears of the Black Tiger’). However, the other two films he has to his name belong to a completely different genre, namely comedy. The film gets off to a slow start and remains quite tedious throughout the first part of the film. There is little talk and action is almost impossible to find. This is partly because there are only a few characters in the film. However, the beautiful setting is something that the viewer will immediately notice. The location is beautiful and creates an incredibly immersive atmosphere that also seems to fit the story perfectly. This makes you feel more involved with the film as a viewer. The music also completes the whole and provides the constructive tension.

Although the beginning is slow, the storyline becomes very clear. You also get to know the characters well as a viewer, probably also because there are not many of them. Their emotions and fears are clearly displayed. This is mainly due to the good acting of the three main characters in the story. Especially Mrs. Ranjuan, played by Suporntip Chuangrangsri, is very convincing. She manages to portray her anger, despair and sadness with great intensity. This while she has no other films to her name. Her whole appearance fits her role perfectly, as does her aristocratic appearance. This also applies to Nuanjan (Siraphan Wattanajinda, ‘Dakanda’) who struggles with all kinds of feelings that she is sometimes literally not in control of. Her helplessness and impotence will certainly touch the viewers.

In the last part of the film, the tension in the story suddenly increases enormously. ‘The Unseeable’ finally seems to come to life and all the questions the viewer struggles with are quickly answered. At certain moments this even causes some confusion, precisely because everything suddenly falls into place. There are also many unexpected twists that really complete the story. It is precisely because the film starts off so slowly that you as a viewer do not expect this. Although you may have an idea of ​​how the story will go, you will be quite surprised at certain moments. The fast pace and unexpectedness last all the way to the end. Furthermore, the way of filming contributes well to the effect it has on the viewers. This is especially apparent when Nuanjan gets completely lost at the end.

‘The Unseeable’ is an entertaining Thai film that will certainly provide some scares, especially at the end. In retrospect quite unpredictable and therefore a good thriller with an original storyline. However, it cannot be called a horror, as it is called. This is due to the fact that it is simply not frightening enough for that and there are still too few moments of real terror to be found. A reasonable film, in which you as a viewer have to bite through the first, long-winded part. After that, it turns out to be worth watching and you know what you’ve been waiting for all this time.