Thai horror cinema returns to its dark, myth-driven roots through Panor, a film that draws its strength from local beliefs and ancient rituals. From its opening scenes, the film pulls audiences into a shadowy world of suspicion and fear, where a young girl is forced to live under a curse she never chose.
Panor is born on the very day a black magic cleansing ritual is performed in her village—an ominous coincidence that marks her as a bad omen in the eyes of the locals. Villagers believe that anyone who stays close to her will suffer misfortune. As a result, Panor grows up isolated, shunned, and burdened by whispered accusations that brand her as the source of calamity.
As she matures, Panor begins to realize that something dark and powerful has been stalking her since the day she was born, condemning her to a life of suffering. Questions soon arise: what truly happened during the ritual on the day of her birth? And who is responsible for the curse that haunts her?
The tension deepens when Korawit, a young journalist, arrives in the village to investigate a series of mysterious child disappearances. Determined to uncover the truth, Panor decides to use her ability to see into the past—both a gift and a burden—to help reveal the hidden secrets. But the deeper they dig, the more ancient rituals and buried darkness they uncover, putting both their sanity and safety at risk.
A Suffocating Atmosphere of Fear
One of Panor’s greatest strengths lies in its oppressive horror atmosphere. Dark cinematography, restrained lighting, and the effective use of practical effects combine to create a persistent sense of dread. Rather than relying heavily on cheap jump scares, the film builds fear gradually through mood, symbolism, and unsettling imagery.
Cherprang Areekul delivers a standout performance as Panor, capturing the complex emotions of a deeply isolated character haunted by trauma and fate. Her restrained expressions and hollow stares heighten the film’s psychological tension. The visual effects further enhance the intensity of the horror without undermining its traditional roots.
That said, Panor is not without flaws. The narrative occasionally feels slow and unfocused, with several supporting characters appearing and disappearing without sufficient explanation. Despite its 123-minute runtime, the development of secondary characters remains thin, diminishing the emotional impact of several key scenes.
Local Horror That Still Resonates
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Panor achieved solid commercial success, ranking as the fifth highest-grossing Thai film of 2025. This accomplishment highlights the continued appeal of locally rooted horror stories among Thai audiences.
Some viewers criticized the film for emphasizing gore over psychological tension, while others questioned the performances of certain supporting actors. Nevertheless, many praised the film’s exploration of social exclusion and the destructive consequences of superstition.
Ultimately, Panor offers a haunting horror experience that blends mystical and psychological elements unique to Thai cinema. While its narrative structure may falter at times, the film remains a worthwhile watch—especially for horror fans seeking stories deeply grounded in local culture and belief systems.
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