You are here:

Hoon Payon

Name: Hoon Payon
Director: Phontharis Chotkijsadarsopon
Released: 2023
Duration: 107 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2023

Director

Phontharis Chotkijsadarsopon

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Hoon Payon offers a refreshing departure from Western-centric horror by grounding its tension in Thai spiritual traditions and indigenous folklore. The focus on the hoon payon effigies provides a culturally specific atmosphere that enriches the global cinematic landscape. However, the film remains tied to traditional power dynamics. The narrative is heavily driven by men's control over the story and patriarchal religious structures, leaving little room for gender subversion or diverse identity exploration. Ultimately, while the film succeeds in providing a non-Western perspective, it relies on conventional character archetypes and lacks an intentional disruption of systemic social hierarchies.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Hoon Payon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story centers on family relationships and religious hierarchies. There is no evidence of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Hoon Payon portray gender?

Fair

The narrative focuses on male-driven conflict between brothers and monastic dynamics. It lacks women in roles of superior intellect or challenges to patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hoon Payon?

Good

The film presents a culturally specific Southeast Asian narrative centered on Thai identity. It enriches global cinema by focusing on indigenous folklore rather than Anglo-centric storytelling.

How does Hoon Payon represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film engages with themes of religious authority and potential corruption within spiritual institutions. It offers a nuanced view of traditional structures through themes of violence and duty.

Does Hoon Payon include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a non-Western perspective through Thai identity and local spiritual traditions.
Utilizes indigenous folklore and culturally specific elements like hoon payon effigies.
Explores nuanced themes regarding the corruption of religious authority and institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives.
Focuses heavily on male-driven conflict and patriarchal religious structures.
Provides limited evidence of women's ability to drive the story or subversion of gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Tham searches for his brother Tae in order to deliver the news of their parents' passing. Tae is ordained as a monk at a temple on Don Sing Tham Island. On arrival, Tham meets Jate, the grandson of the former abbot. Jate makes hoon payon, enchanted effigies of the dead. Tham learns of a rumour that Tae vanished after murdering the abbot.

How are these scores produced? →