The Medium (2021) is a supernatural horror film directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, blending documentary-style storytelling with a haunting exploration of spirituality, possession, and generational curses in rural Thailand. The movie follows a documentary crew as they travel to a remote village to document Nim, a shaman who claims to be possessed by the spirit of Bayan, a goddess worshiped by her family for generations. However, when her niece Mink begins exhibiting strange and disturbing behavior, it becomes apparent that she may be under the influence of a far more sinister force.
The film’s slow-burn approach builds an atmosphere of dread, drawing viewers into a world where the line between spirituality and horror blurs. Nim’s initial confidence in her connection to Bayan begins to crumble as Mink’s possession grows increasingly violent and unpredictable. What starts as a documentary about spiritual traditions quickly spirals into a terrifying descent into horror, as the crew witnesses the unfolding tragedy. The found-footage style gives the story a raw, realistic edge, enhancing the horror by placing the audience in the characters’ shoes.
The Medium is not only a horror film but also a cultural exploration, giving insight into Thai spiritual beliefs and the role of shamans in rural communities. The plot delves deeply into family dynamics, faith, and the thin boundary between devotion and horror. Narilya Gulmongkolpech, who plays Mink, gives a standout performance, capturing the frightening transformation from a seemingly ordinary young woman to someone overtaken by dark, violent forces.
The film’s cinematography and sound design are crucial to its terrifying effect, using subtle details, dim lighting, and unsettling sounds to create a genuinely chilling experience. As the supernatural occurrences escalate, so does the intensity of the horror, leading to a climactic ending that is brutal, horrifying, and unforgettable.
The Medium is a standout in the supernatural horror genre, with its chilling depiction of possession and cultural mysticism. It’s deeply unsettling, drawing on authentic folklore and traditional beliefs to build a horror that feels grounded in reality. It’s a film for horror fans who appreciate psychological tension and atmospheric horror, and it delivers a haunting experience that lingers well beyond its final scene.