The Medium is very much a slow burn film, but a film that is an underrated gem.
The Medium Synopsis
In the Isan region of Thailand, a shaman realizes that his nephew has been possessed. However, the goddess that appears to have taken possession turns out not be as benevolent as she first appears.
My Thoughts on The Medium
The Medium is a Thai folk horror film that has demons, curses, and people getting absolutely wrecked by evil spirits. Lovely!
The director of the film is Banjong Pisanthanakun, which I’m not even gonna pretend I can say right, is the guy that made Shutter, which I am a fan of, and with The Medium, he’s outdone himself, as it’s a masterfully executed fusion of documentary-style realism and supernatural horror.
Firstly, the film is gorgeous, and you get these sweeping shots of Thai mountains and temples and misty forests, which looks like something out of a Planet Earth documentary.
The story starts quite chill, just your standard look into rural shaman culture, but before long you’re watching some poor soul cough up black goo while her family cries and chants in the background, and it transforms into a harrowing account of spiritual inheritance, trauma, and cultural identity.
What really gets you is how hopeless it all feels. There’s no big hero moment, no silver bullet, but just layers of spiritual rot building up until you feel like you’re watching cursed footage that’s going to give your TV a disease.
Sawanee Utoomma is brilliant as Nim. She’s calm and grounded at first, but you slowly watch her unravel as her niece Mink starts showing signs of a curse, and her belief system starts to fall apart, and you can see that weight all over her face. It’s raw and heartbreaking.
And yes, the final act does go off the rails, and without giving too much away, the film builds toward a long, chaotic sequence involving rituals, possessions, and complete spiritual breakdown.
It’s messy, intense, and honestly hard to watch at times, but in a good way. It doesn’t feel cheap or flashy, it all feels very earned, and by the time the credits roll, you’re left with more questions than answers.
But that’s part of the point, as this isn’t a movie that wraps things up neatly. It’s a film that wants you to sit with your discomfort and wonder what was real, what wasn’t, and what it all means.
I am a big fan of The Medium, and if you don’t mind slow burn psychological horror that messes with your head and your heart, and doesn’t answer every question, I highly recommend it, and after you have watched it, maybe light a candle, or say a prayer. Or both.
You’re gonna need it.
The Medium Trailer
The Medium on IMDB
The Medium Good Points
Unnervingly Realistic Style – The film’s approach is incredibly convincing, and makes it feel disturbingly believable.
Slow-Burn Tension – The gradual pacing builds such a strong sense of dread, it gives the horror room to breathe, and makes it all feel earned when it finally hits.
Visually Brilliant – The mix of beautiful, almost travelogue-style footage with raw handheld shots are fantastic.
Morally Complex Themes – It explores themes like faith, family trauma, karma, and mental health without ever spoon-feeding you, which I appreciate a lot.
Final Act – The last 30 minutes are intense, chaotic, and brilliant.
The Medium Bad Points
Thin Secondary Characters – While Nim is well-developed, other characters aren’t given as much depth.
Is The Medium Worth Watching?
Well, yes, I recommend it, as I am sure you would have already gussed.
If you’re fine with a slow pace, that builds dread quite slow, a bit like Noroi, you will get a lot out of watching The Medium.
It’s a film that has stuck with me, and a film that 100% delivers.
Where To Stream The Medium?
The Medium Director and Cast
Director – Banjong Pisanthanakun.
Main Cast – Sawanee Utoomma, Narilya Gulmongkolpech, Sirani Yankittikan, Yasaka Chaisorn.
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