Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The new law, which replaces the terms “men and women” as well as “husband and wife” in the Civil and Commercial Code with the words “individuals” and “spouses”, will take effect at the beginning of 2025. “The Paradise of Thorns” was created in the atmosphere of waiting for this important change, “The Paradise of Thorns” was created. The full-length debut by Naruebet “Boss” Kuno, who formerly worked on a few TV series such as “I Told Sunset About You” (2020), was screened at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, and the 49th Toronto International Film Festival.
The movie starts by presenting a happy gay couple, Thongkam (Jeff Satur) and Sek (Pongsakorn Mettarikanon). Together, they manage to build a home on a durian farm in a rural area of Thailand. However, their happiness doesn’t last long, as one of them dies in an unfortunate accident. Due to the lack of legal marriage recognition, his mother inherits the farm and seizes assets, as the surviving partner tries to fight back.
Kuno decided to create an energetic experience with a fair number of surprises. the film starts as a romantic love story, then provides a social commentary about the legal barriers of homosexual relationships, and finally becomes a revenge movie. Tackling such an important social issue by the means of a thriller is definitely an interesting choice. The film also presents the themes of class, wealth and family ties, which the audience can see especially through the complex relationship between Saeng (Srida Puapimol) and Mo (Engfa Waraha).
The script, co-written by the director, Naron Cherdsoongnern and Karakade Norasethaporn, introduces and develops all characters appropriately, so each of them has believable motivations for most of their actions. At first, the distinction between the “good” and the “bad” characters seems clear, but over time, those boundaries become blurred. It’s worth noting that the main cast has little to no experience in acting. Srida Puapimol and Harit Buayoi are both debutantes, Jeff Satur and Engfa Waraha previously played only in TV series. Despite that, their performances are solid and believable.
The cinematography by Tawanwad Wanavit aptly fits the atmosphere of the movie, as it presents numerous beautiful shots of Thailand’s landscapes, but doesn’t distract the viewer from the narrative. Furthermore, the editing choices made by Piriyakorn Cotchadorn and Rungrot Ounwong feel well-suited, as they complement the overall aesthetic of the picture.
The beginning of “The Paradise of Thorns” may trick viewers that they are about to watch a drama about a citizen fighting for his rights. The fight indeed happens, but in a totally different way than many may anticipate. Although the movie was created during the old legal system and thus might feel a little outdated, it definitely presents a reality that people in other countries might relate to. Unfortunately, the narrative bends under the weight of the multitude of plot twists, as it gets increasingly ridiculous towards the end. The movie turns into something similar to a soap opera, which might harm its significant message.
