A collaboration between Thongkham Films (Thailand) and Silver Moonlight Entertainment (Vietnam), with Hang Trinh as producer, "Ghost Bride" presents a unique story based on a Thai family massacre. The film features a young, international cast including Rima Thanh Vy, JJ Krissanapoom, Cong Duong, and Jun Vu.

The film explores the story of a Vietnamese woman marrying abroad. Photo: *Silver Moonlight Entertainment*

The story follows Yen (Rima Thanh Vy) as she travels to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to meet her future husband's family. Her fiance, Bank (JJ Krissanapoom), is a young entrepreneur working in Vietnam, but his background remains shrouded in mystery. What Yen believes will be a new beginning quickly turns into a nightmare as she is haunted by the ghost of a bride within the secluded mansion.

Instead of offering comfort or explanations, Bank and his family behave strangely. As Yen endures a series of rituals, she uncovers shocking secrets hidden beneath the family's wealthy facade.

Centered around a wedding, "Ghost Bride" emphasizes the cultural exchange between Vietnam and Thailand, revealing shared beliefs surrounding marriage. The film's strength lies in its ability to create a chilling atmosphere rooted in unusual traditions.

A strange ritual at a high-society wedding in the film. Photo: *Silver Moonlight Entertainment*

The ancient mansion, with its symbolic furnishings and paintings, provides a chilling backdrop for Yen's experience. Even before the ghost appears, a palpable sense of unease pervades the atmosphere.

Fear is established through external elements like the setting and the ghost's appearance, as well as Yen's internal anxieties. These anxieties stem from her isolation as a Vietnamese woman marrying far from home, facing language barriers and cultural differences. The first half cultivates a sense of disquiet. In the second half, the director escalates the rituals from unsettling to terrifying, creating a lasting sense of dread and culminating in an explosive climax.

Despite the language barrier in their first collaboration, Rima Thanh Vy and JJ Krissanapoom demonstrate strong chemistry. They portray a couple whose seemingly perfect match is undermined by suspicion and mistrust.

Rima Thanh Vy continues to excel in the horror genre. Her expressive reactions and unsettling demeanor in the face of supernatural forces make Yen both mysterious and captivating. In "Ghost Bride," she steps outside her comfort zone, speaking English and Thai, and performing demanding scenes that challenge her physically and mentally.

Rima Thanh Vy continues to make a mark in the horror genre. Photo: *Silver Moonlight Entertainment*

The film can be seen as a successful experiment in collaboration between Vietnamese and Thai cinema. The production team meticulously crafted the Thai setting, costumes, and the ancient temples of Chiang Mai. The story blends supernatural elements with a detective-thriller structure, keeping audiences intrigued. However, some plot points lack logical consistency, and the supporting characters could benefit from greater depth.

"Ghost Bride" demonstrates how blending cultural elements can enhance the experience for Asian horror fans. The rich tapestry of local stories, legends, and customs provides filmmakers with endless inspiration.

The film is currently showing nationwide in Vietnam. A representative from Skyline Media stated that "Ghost Bride" has been released in Australia and New Zealand, with upcoming releases scheduled for Canada, the US, Taiwan, South America, and Southeast Asia.

Dong Ve