Inherit

Beauty and youth are traits known to expire, but Grandma Woranart seems to be an exception. At over 80 years old, she still turns heads. Based on the Thai horror novel Tayard Asoon (translated in English as “The Demon's Heir”), Inherit brings the story of a character possessed by a centipede spirit onto the silver screen.

The Manasvanichs look like they have it all — a beautiful family, a mansion, power, and wealth — until an unexpected relative shows up at their door and unveils their dark secrets. Grandma Woranart’s (Davika Hoorne) striking beauty and youth aren’t the only things suspicious about her. Unnatural deaths happen wherever she goes, and it’s obvious she has an agenda for her visit — to find a new host for the centipede demon within her. Unfortunately, Oui (Baipor Thitiya Jirapornsilp), the youngest of the family, may just be the targeted heir.

Diverting from the renowned filmmaker’s previous box office horror hits, Banjong Pisanthanakun takes a different tonal approach in Inherit. Though the scares remain sleek and strong, heavier themes of corruption, exploitation, and social issues lie at its foundation. He reunites with his Pee Mak (2013) actress Hoorne, who breathes life into the iconic femme fatale, personifying the centipede demon embodying beauty and sinisterness with delicate perfection. Pisanthanakun’s adaptation weaves family drama with a chilling occult premise, resulting in a universally entertaining film that can be appreciated regardless of one’s familiarity with the original lore.

JUNE KIM

Content advisory: self-harm, explicit violence, mature themes, sexual content