Coming Soon (2008 film)

Lore & Background

The plot follows Shane and Som, who watch a horror movie about a woman named Chaba who kidnapped and murdered two children before being hanged by villagers. Disturbed and curious, they research the film and learn it is based on a real case from 30 years ago. While investigating the house where the events occurred, Shane falls and is injured. At the hospital, a doctor tells them that Chaba is still alive in a mental facility. Shane later discovers a behind-the-scenes video clip revealing that the actress playing Chaba, Ingchan, died during the hanging scene when her safety sling snapped; the director used the real death footage in the final film. Shane rushes to the theater to warn Som but is haunted by Ingchan's ghost and transported into the movie, where he finds the dead bodies of his co-workers and friends. Ingchan gouges out his eyes, killing him. Som suffers the same fate, and as the film plays, Ingchan comes to life and shouts at the audience, 'Do you really want to see me die?'

Reader's Guide

Coming Soon is significant as the directorial debut of Sophon Sakdaphisit, who had previously co-written acclaimed Thai horror films. The film's meta-narrative—a film-within-a-film about a real death during production—was noted by critics as a sharp concept that showcased Sakdaphisit's screenwriting talents. Critical reception was mixed: Slasherpool found decent scares and a sound script but noted rookie mistakes and lack of innovation, calling it 'a movie destined to be remade.' Movie Exclusive praised it as evidence that GMM Tai Hub remained a force in horror. The Fridae Movie Club and Fangoria both appreciated the ambitious script but felt the direction fell short, with Fangoria citing overly familiar and illogical elements. The film's legacy lies in its clever premise and as an early indicator of Sakdaphisit's potential as a director, despite its uneven execution.

Did You Know?

• The film is the directorial debut of Sophon Sakdaphisit, who co-wrote Shutter (2004) and Alone (2007).
• The plot involves a film-within-a-film where the actress playing the killer actually died during the hanging scene due to a snapped safety sling.
• In the final scene, the ghost of the actress breaks the fourth wall by shouting at the audience, 'Do you really want to see me die?'
• Critical reviews noted that the film had a sharp concept but suffered from 'rookie' directorial mistakes and illogical elements.