In the film, Ngoc Trinh plays Thanh, a doctor working for an aesthetic clinic in Da Lat. The clinic is run by Xuan (Xuan Lan), and Thanh soon encounters strange rituals there. She is gradually targeted by dark forces, having to learn how to survive within the old villa.

Ngoc Trinh stated that the character Thanh is notably different from her previous roles. She had to wear a safety harness for scenes where she was dragged across the floor and hung upside down during demon attacks. The film also challenged Ngoc Trinh with many emotional scenes, as her character experiences significant loss. Acknowledging her inexperience as an actress, she worked hard with the director, discussing methods for character embodiment and immersion.

She also faced difficulty in romantic scenes with Le Xuan Tien, who is seven years her junior. During a kissing scene while strolling in Da Lat, the crew created artificial rain. Both were freezing, having to shoot for hours in temperatures over 10 degrees Celsius. "I hope this role helps me step out of my comfort zone and mature as an actress," she said.

Ngoc Trinh in a scene where Thanh is dragged across the floor by a spiritual force. *Photo courtesy of the film crew.*

Ngoc Trinh, 37, is from Tra Vinh. Starting her career as a model, in 2016, she starred in her debut film Vong eo 56, directed by Vu Ngoc Dang, which was inspired by her life. In 2019, she starred in Vu quy dai nao, a romantic comedy featuring Dieu Nhi and La Thanh. In 2023, Chi chi em em 2, an 18+ film co-starring Minh Hang, earned over 100 billion VND during its Tet release. In late 2024, Chi dau, directed by Khuong Ngoc, where she acted alongside Viet Huong and Hong Dao, achieved revenue of over 100 billion VND.

"Tham my vien am phu" is a project Nguyen Huu Hoang has nurtured for many years. He was known for Ma da, a horror hit in 2024. The producers invested in the set, renovating an old villa in Da Lat for filming. Besides the makeup for spiritual forces, the crew collaborated with a visual effects team from South Korea throughout filming and post-production.

The film is released as the horror genre shows signs of saturation. The director admitted feeling pressure because audiences are increasingly demanding, requiring filmmakers to constantly innovate in both ideas and storytelling. "I hope my team and I can create fresh visuals, an unpredictable script, and entertain audiences," said Huu Hoang.

Mai Nhat