The Murderer is set to debut on Netflix on July 27, making it the streaming platform’s first movie in the Isan dialect.
Set in Thailand’s northeastern region, the film stars Phetthai Vongkhamlao, Eisaya Hosuwan, James Laver, Sunaree Ratchasima and Sawanee Utoomma. It also features local characters from the area. Both the lead and supporting actors are of Isan descent and consequently proficient in the dialect to authentically portray the characters.
Directed by Wisit Sasanatieng, The Murderer combines murder mystery, dark comedy and highly stylised visuals to break the traditional concept of Isan films which are mostly simple rural comedies. It tells the story of a massacre that unfolds at an isolated property on the night a tropical storm is supposed to hit the village. Several bodies, dead from various causes, are found spread out across the area, and no one knows who the killer is. As lead investigator, Inspector Nawat is under pressure to find the culprit. He directs his suspicions at Earl, an outsider, visitor, foreigner, and possibly murderer with a dark secret. Cracking the Isan-style murder investigation mystery, the wicked comedy also satires modern culture.
“The screenplay is full of humour and satire. It reflects our society and current circumstances, such as the media’s sensationalisation of murder cases. Many cases are eerily similar and the audience desires to know the truth. This movie’s screenplay is based on people’s curiosity. When we consume media, we only see what is presented to us — we seldom know the whole truth. This movie will enlighten us on what reality is like,” said Wisit.
One signature aspect that fans will recognise in director Wisit’s work is the vivid colours adorning the sets and costumes, beautifully complementing each other. This visual work and scenic design is reminiscent of the director’s previous works like Tears Of The Black Tiger and Citizen Dog, and is prevalent in this movie. These vibrant colours play a key role in spicing things up and elevating it into an all-around stylish murder film.
