Shutter
Simon Paul Wilson
Sawasdee Krab!
Thanks for joining me! I’ve been having a lot of fun writing these articles, and hope you’ve been enjoying reading them.
Today, I’m going to introduce you to a Thai horror movie called Shutter. This is easily one of my all-time favourite vengeful ghost films, with an antagonist who is one of the creepiest you’re likely to see. For me, she is only beaten by Kayako from Ju-On.
Yep, she is that good.
Shutter is a 2004 film, and one of the most famous of Thai horrors. As per usual, I’m going to try to keep this article spoiler-free. I really don’t want to ruin any jump-scares or plot twists for you, as this is a cracking film and deserves a viewing with fresh eyes.
With that said, here’s the basic setup:
The movie starts with Jane (Natthaweeranuch Thongmee) and her photographer boyfriend, Tun (Ananda Everingham) leaving a party. Unfortunately, they get into a car accident, and Jane runs over a woman. Tun stops Jane from getting out of the car, instead insisting that she drive on, leaving the woman in the road.
It’s then that weird things start to occur, namely horrifying images of a ghostly figure lurking in the background of Tun’s photos.
As well as this, Tun starts experiencing severe neck pains…
At its core, Shutter is a movie that looks closely at the Buddhist teachings on Karma. It’s a neat little story, with some haunting set-pieces that are equally as scary as anything from a J-horror movie, if not more so. It’s also a tale with a few surprises which I didn’t see coming. To be honest, what I really love about this movie is its ending. The final moments of this film have stayed with me since the first time I saw it, back in 2008. Anyone with neck and back pain may get goosebumps, and that’s all I’m going to say!
Of course, I have to mention Natre, my second favourite vengeful ghost.
This is one spirit who doesn’t hide behind her long hair, but you really wish she would! Excellent make-up and acting make Natre definite nightmare fuel. I know she haunted my dreams for a few days after watching it for the first time.
Yes. Shutter is one of my favourite Asian Horrors, and one I’m keen to recommend to folk.
As always, I’d like to stress that the Hollywood remake of Shutter is nowhere near as good. The Thai original is the way to go!
If you do watch, let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you! Also, if there is a movie you’d like me to spread the word about, just give me a shout.
Join me next time, as we head to Korea and A Tale Of Two Sisters.
Simon Paul Wilson
Simon Paul Wilson is a U.K. based writer of horror and science fiction.
He is currently writing a cyberpunk horror trilogy, the first of which is GhostCityGirl and was published by Not A Pipe publishing in 2020.
Click this link for more info: Ghost City Girl
There now follows a list of writers who have influenced his reading tastes and writing style:
James Herbert. Stephen King, Shaun Hutson, Clive Barker, China Mieville, Haruki Murakami, Carlton Mellick III, Brian Keene, and Adam Nevill.
Simon lives somewhere in the middle of England with his wonderful family. He likes to listen to post-rock and progressive rock at loud volumes. He also plays a mean air bass.
Follow him on Twitter: @spwzen
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