Known in English as Phobia, 4bia is a Thai horror anthology that came out in 2008 and has yet again strap up my shoes. Each film features vengeance-based, fear-riddled individual stories that all blend beautifully into one chilling horror film. The immersion of seamless editing and classic horror elements keep the audience entranced as they see terror unfold before their eyes.
“Happiness” was directed by Yongyoot Thongkongtoon: After a woman breaks her leg, she gets stuck in her home. As she remains alone, an admirer begins texting strange things leading her to believe that she’s in a romantic exchange. This quickly escalates into an absolute nightmare.
Directed by Paween Purijitpanya is “Tit for Tat.” Follows a group of high school students who end up getting cursed for bullying a classmate. Due to untold daimonic vengeance, supernatural elements come into play with a vengeance notebook that kills all of the bullies in unspeakable ways.
“In the middle” directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun: Follows four friends on a rafting trip when one of them drowns. They are left in a tormented state for days believing their drowned friend taunts them in their sleep.
“The Last Fright” (Directed by Parkpoom Wongpoon): The sole air hostess on a Morten Airlines royal chartered flight is expected to autonomously manage and cater to passengers to the best of her ability. Unfortunately, she ends up in a very horrifying scenario where, for some unknown reason, she is being hunted at thirty thousand feet in the sky after a passenger of hers suddenly dies.
Cast and Crew
Director(s)
Yongyoot Thongkongtoon (Happiness) (documentary: after the storm 2019)
Paween Purijitpanya (Tit for Tat) (worst shorts 2014)
Banjong Pisanthanakun (In the Middle) (In & Out )
Parkpoom Wongpoom (Last Fright) D
irector(s)
Maneerat Kham-uan as Pin (Happiness)
Witawat Singlampong as Pun (Tit for Tat)
Nattapong Chartpong as Ter (In the Middle)
Pimpan Chalaikupp as Pim (Last Fright)
IMDB Ratings
4bia (horror anthology) competes Creatively with other horror anthologies, and have received a score of 6.7 on ten in IMDB for 4ibia’s creativity in storytelling. Critics have stated that every segment will not bear the same amount of tension and suspense, but the movie did deliver in terms of atmosphere.
Evaluation of the Film Distribution and Reception:
Upon its debut, on April 25, 2008, the 4bia film garnered tremendous attention at the box office and in reviews, especially in South East parts of the world. A multitude were pulled in by the elaborate blend of meanings behind the various subgenres, and critics were in consensus that segments “Happiness” and “Last Fright” displayed an exquisite level of psychological understanding that was wonderfully showcased.
This brought on debates about the possibility of the global expansion of Thai horror cinema with films like Shutter. Some critics, however, maintained their stance that the CGI in “Tit for Tat” could not match the other segment’s practical effects and suspense.
Prizes:
Triumphed in Best Cinematography in Thailand National Film Association Award.
Part of the Best Asian Film Nominees of Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.
Impact on Thai Cinema:
4bia added on to the already growing notion that Thailand is a hot spot for horror movies. It also was the reason for the 2009 Phobia 2, which used the same framework as the first, but was much better received. It also showcased the talent of many of its directors, with numerous going on to make award winning films.
Final Comment:
4bia is a wide-appealing psychological horror film filled with supernatural slasher elements. This anthology serves various fears to horror enthusiasts. With intense storylines and frightening sequences, 4bia is sure to stand out in the compilation of horror movies.
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