A Master Returns to the Macabre: The Genesis of 'Inherit'
The Return of a Horror Maestro: Banjong Pisanthanakun's Latest Endeavor
After a five-year hiatus, celebrated Thai director Banjong Pisanthanakun, whose previous works like 'Shutter' and 'Pee Mak' have left an indelible mark on the horror genre, is once again taking the directorial reins for a new horror feature titled 'Inherit.' This film is being produced by GDH 559, a Thai studio recognized for its creative prowess and commercial success.
International Collaboration: Barunson E&A Joins Forces
Adding to the film's international appeal, South Korean sales company Barunson E&A, acclaimed for its work on the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite,' has secured the rights to handle the international distribution of 'Inherit.' This partnership highlights a growing synergy between Southeast Asian and Korean film industries, particularly within the horror segment.
Banjong's Legacy: A History of Genre-Defining Films
Banjong Pisanthanakun is widely acknowledged as a leading figure among Southeast Asia's genre directors. His debut, 'Shutter' (2004), became a benchmark in the Thai horror movement of the 2000s. Later, his horror-comedy 'Pee Mak' (2013) achieved historic success, becoming Thailand's highest-grossing film and the first to exceed ten million domestic admissions. While his most recent film, 'The Medium' (2021), garnered critical praise, its theatrical run was impacted by the global pandemic.
The Narrative Core: A Family's Descent into Ancient Horror
'Inherit' centers on a prosperous family whose seemingly perfect existence crumbles when an ancient centipede spirit infiltrates their lineage. The screenplay is an adaptation of 'Tayat Asun,' a seminal Thai horror novel first published in 1991. Despite numerous television adaptations, this marks the novel's first cinematic rendition, promising a deeply unsettling exploration of familial curses and supernatural forces. The film features Davika Hoorne, who recently starred in 'A Useful Ghost,' a Critics' Week Grand Prize winner at Cannes, which GDH also distributed in Thailand.
GDH 559's Expanding Influence: A Powerhouse in Southeast Asian Cinema
GDH 559 continues to be a formidable presence in Southeast Asian cinema. Their 2024 release, 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,' garnered approximately $73.8 million globally, earning the distinction of being the first Thai film considered for an international feature Oscar. This film has since been acquired by Miramax for an English-language remake. In 2025, the studio further expanded its reach with Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit's 'Human Resource,' which premiered in the Orizzonti section at the Venice Film Festival.
Universal Themes Through a Cultural Lens: The Vision Behind 'Inherit'
Jina Osothsilp, CEO of GDH, expressed her excitement about the project, emphasizing the haunting nature of the source material. She noted that 'Inherit' draws on beloved Thai horror literature while offering a fresh and unsettling perspective. She believes the story, though deeply rooted in Thai culture, resonates universally, addressing themes of family, legacy, and inescapable destinies.
Strategic Expansion: Barunson E&A's Growing Presence in Southeast Asia
Barunson E&A will manage sales for 'Inherit' across North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. This collaboration is part of the Korean company's strategic expansion in Southeast Asia. Last year, Barunson formed an exclusive sales partnership with Indonesian auteur Joko Anwar's Come and See Pictures, co-producing and selling Anwar's latest film, 'Ghost in the Cell,' which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. Yoonhee Choi, CEO of Barunson E&A, indicated ongoing discussions with GDH for future co-development and co-production projects, signaling a sustained partnership beyond 'Inherit.'
