The Intruder (2010 film)
A Thai horror film about cobras invading an apartment complex.
The 2010 Thai horror film *The Intruder* (Thai: เขี้ยวอาฆาต; RTGS: Khiao A-khat), also marketed as *Revenge of the King Cobra*, was directed by Thanadol Nualsuth and Thammanoon Sakulboonthanom. Its story, credited to filmmaker Poj Arnon, centers on a Thai apartment complex that becomes infested with deadly cobras. During its opening week in Thailand, the movie ranked second at the box office, trailing only *Iron Man 2*. It made its North American debut at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma.
The plot begins when a man is fatally bitten by a snake in an old house next to an apartment building. Authorities and media arrive but find only a few snakes. Soon, a swarm of cobras invades the complex, endangering a diverse group of residents: young landlady Panin (Kwankao Savetawimon), her aunt Pai (Wasana Chalakorn) who maintains a snake shrine, Panin’s ex-boyfriend Dr. Sadayu (Akara Amarttayakul), his younger brother Vick (Peerawish Bunnag), snake expert Chai (Thanatorn Oudsahakul), flight attendant Jan (Chawwadee Chernok), three rock musicians, three teenagers, unfaithful husband Ponnapa (Aungkana Timdee), his wife Mon (Sarocha Watittapan), their young daughter Kij (Sukol Pongsathat), and TV reporter Paai (Apinya Sakuljaroensuk), who secretly broadcasts the carnage via her mobile phone.
Released in Thailand on April 29, 2010, *The Intruder* earned $120,630 total at the domestic box office. Its North American premiere occurred at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma on October 19, 2010, and it later screened at the Seattle International Film Festival on June 4, 2011.
*Variety* offered a mostly positive review, highlighting the cast’s energetic performances and noting that the special effects were adequate for this type of film. *Film Business Asia* gave it a six out of ten, calling it “good, trashy fun.”
- release_year
- 2010
- country
- Thailand
- directors
- Thanadol Nualsuth, Thammanoon Sakulboonthanom
- story_by
- Poj Arnon
- genre
- Horror
- opening_week_rank_in_Thailand
- Second highest grossing
Lore & Background
The Intruder premiered in Thailand on April 29, 2010. In its first week, the film was the second highest grossing film in Thailand, only beaten by Iron Man 2. The film grossed a total of $120,630 in Thailand. It received its North American premiere at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma on October 19, 2010, and was also shown at the Seattle International Film Festival on June 4, 2011.
Reader's Guide
The Intruder is notable as a Thai horror film that achieved commercial success in its home market, ranking second in its opening week behind the blockbuster Iron Man 2. Its plot, centered on a cobra invasion of an apartment complex, draws on local folklore and horror traditions. The film received a generally favorable review from Variety, which praised the energetic performance of the cast and noted that the 'effects are decent for this type of fare.' Film Business Asia gave the film a six out of ten rating, calling it 'good, trashy fun.' The film's North American premiere at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma and its screening at the Seattle International Film Festival indicate some international exposure, though its total gross of $120,630 in Thailand suggests a modest overall box office.
Did You Know?
- The Intruder is also known as the revenge of the king cobra.
- It was the second highest grossing film in Thailand in its opening week, only beaten by Iron Man 2.
- The film received its North American premiere at the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma on October 19, 2010.
- Variety praised the energetic performance of the cast and noted that the effects are decent for this type of fare.
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