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Inhuman Kiss
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Inhuman Kiss
Theatrical release poster
Thaiแสงกระสือ
Directed bySitisiri Mongkolsiri
Screenplay byChukiat Sakveerakul
Story bySitisiri Mongkolsiri
Produced byMeo Boontamcharoen
Sangar Chatchairungruang
Yeonu Choi
Utai Khunmkong
Sirisak Koshpasharin
Pornchai Wongsriudomporn
StarringPhantira Pipityakorn
Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang
Sapol Assawamunkong
Surasak Wongthai
CinematographyPithai Smithsuth
Edited byManussa Vorasingha
Abhisit Wongwaitrakarn
Music byChatchai Pongprapaphan
Release date
  • 14 March 2019 (2019-03-14)
Running time
122 minutes
CountryThailand
LanguageThai

Inhuman Kiss (Thai: แสงกระสือ), also known as Krasue: Inhuman Kiss, is a 2019 Thai supernatural horror film directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri. It was selected as the Thai entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but was not nominated.[1][2] In 1940s Thailand, a krasue lives a normal life as a woman by day, but at night her head detaches from her body and seeks out for flesh and blood.[3][4]

Plot

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The film starts with four children Jerd, Sai, Noi and Ting. They go to the forest to play hide and seek. Noi and Sai decide to hide inside the house that supposedly contains the spirit of a Krasue that protects the forest. Sai encounters a krasue inside the box she decides to hide in. The scene is fast forwarded to the time when the four friends are in their teens. Sai and Jerd are in Thailand while Noi is in Bangkok pursuing his medical training. It is the time of World War II and all the nurses in Thailand have gone to Bangkok to care for the wounded which is why Sai goes to the local hospital to nurse the wounded. Jerd has a crush on her which is obvious to everyone except her.

She meets Noi at the forest and reunites with him. A new love is rekindled between them. It is revealed that Noi and the tribe in his hometown have come to Sai's village to hunt down a krasue. The tribe leader tells everyone about how a female krasue can turn a female human into a krasue too while a male krasue (krahang) experiences severe pain in the initial stages of being a krahang where there is a high chance that a krasue can devour his guts.

She starts to see blood stains on her bed everyday which only gets bigger and darker with days. One day, she screeches in pain and sees her head detached from her body, flying in the air. She has turned into a krasue. She goes outside her house to catch prey and eat. After getting enough meat, she returns to her human form. Noi who witnesses this helps Sai get meat which makes them get closer. As a result of this Sai starts to ignore Jerd.

It is later revealed that Jerd knew she was a krasue all along and had only joined the krasue hunting tribe to misdirect them. When the tribe leader (who is also a krahang) hears about Jerd's disloyalty he turns Jerd into a grotesque krahang. When Sai visits Jerd he begs her not to leave him as she had planned to run away with Noi to Bangkok that evening.

Sai's father takes her to a mass movie theater in the village borders to show everyone that the rumors about her turning into a krasue at night are false. The monk whose guidance Noi has been following all this while reveals that in the ancient time a krasue, wife of a krahang, fell in love with a human who made her pregnant. The krahang who was furious killed both the Krasue and the human to avenge his broken heart. Thus, it is fate that every krahang shall fall in love with a krasue and kill her in the end by ripping her heart apart. This hints at the possibly that Jerd might kill Sai. The villagers are shocked to see Sai turn into a krasue and start chasing her with guns. Meanwhile an angry Jerd comes at Sai to kill her. Noi convinces Jerd not to kill her as she was his friend before anything else. Jerd decided not to kill her but the angry tribe leader kills him and move to kill Sai too when he is killed by the monk.

It is revealed that the krasue who had turned Sai into a krasue was actually Nual, the wife of the monk who had helped Noi all these days. He had helped Noi because he was guilty of locking his wife in a box in the forest to prevent her death and didn't want the same thing to happen to Sai. Sai and Noi run to the river from which they can reach Bangkok. But it's too late as her body has completely been destroyed by the villagers. Noi still has hopes of saving her as she still has her head. The happiness doesn't last long as Sai is shot dead in her head by Jerd's parents.

Cast

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Reception

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Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting recommended the film, writing: "Inhuman Kiss does run a bit overlong and has a measured pace, but it builds into an insane climax."[4]

Sequel

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A sequel entitled Inhuman Kiss: The Last Breath (Thai: แสงกระสือ 2) was completed in 2022 and released in Thailand on 30 March 2023.[7][8]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Inhuman Kiss (Thai: แสงกระสือ), also known as Krasue: Inhuman Kiss, is a 2019 Thai supernatural horror film directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri. The story follows Sai, an innocent teenage girl in 1940s rural Thailand, who inherits the curse of the Krasue—a bloodthirsty demon from Thai folklore that manifests at night by detaching her head and organs to hunt human flesh. Set against the backdrop of a remote village, the film intertwines elements of romance, drama, and horror as Sai grapples with her inhuman transformation while navigating a love triangle with her childhood friends, To and Jin, and evading a growing witch hunt by fearful villagers. The screenplay, co-written by director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri and Chookiat Sakveerakul, emphasizes themes of friendship, jealousy, and the conflict between humanity and monstrosity, all rooted in traditional Southeast Asian mythology. Inhuman Kiss stars Phantira Pipityakorn in the lead role of Sai, alongside as To and as Jin, with supporting performances from Surasak Vongthai and Sahatchai Chumrum. Produced by Sahamongkolfilm International, the film premiered in on March 14, 2019, and later became available for streaming on , where it garnered international acclaim for its atmospheric visuals, practical effects, and emotional storytelling. It holds an audience score of 83% on based on over 50 verified ratings, with critics praising its fresh take on folklore-driven horror. The movie's success led to a , Inhuman Kiss 2: The Last Breath, released in 2023.

Production

Development

Director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri drew inspiration from the longstanding surrounding the , a supernatural entity depicted as a woman's detached head with glowing organs, to craft a that humanizes the creature's plight rather than solely demonizing it. Mongkolsiri originated the story concept, envisioning a coming-of-age tale intertwined with horror elements set amid the isolation of rural 1940s . The screenplay was penned by Chookiat Sakveerakul, who integrated romance, horror, and historical facets to emphasize emotional and relational dynamics over conventional jump scares, creating a layered exploration of adolescence, love, and supernatural affliction. Sakveerakul's script, co-developed with Mongkolsiri, prioritized the krasue's internal struggle and societal rejection, transforming the myth into a poignant allegory for personal transformation during turbulent times. The film had an estimated budget of $1.2 million USD. involved key collaborations with production companies including Transformation Films, Nakid, CJ Major Entertainment, and M Pictures. efforts commenced in 2018, seeking performers to embody the film's blend of youthful and eerie undertones, aligning with the decision to root the story in a remote locale for heightened atmospheric authenticity.

Filming and design

for Inhuman Kiss took place primarily in Nakhon Nayok, , where the production captured authentic rural village landscapes to evoke the film's 1940s setting. The film's transformations relied heavily on practical effects, including prosthetics for the detached head and illuminated organs, with limited CGI employed to augment the eerie, atmospheric horror elements. Cinematographer Pithai Smithsuth employed subdued lighting and expansive natural environments to intensify throughout the narrative. Costume and set design authentically recreated rural Thai life, featuring period-specific attire such as simple sarongs and blouses, alongside wooden stilt houses and agricultural props to ground the elements in .

Synopsis and cast

Plot summary

Set in rural during the 1940s amid , Inhuman Kiss follows four childhood friends—Sai, Jerd, Noi, and Ting—as they transition from into young adulthood in a remote village. The story begins with flashbacks to their innocent youth, playing in the near a reputedly where Ting goes missing, establishing the close bonds that shape their lives. As the narrative progresses, Sai, a young nurse, discovers she has inherited the curse from her family's lineage, a supernatural affliction that causes her head to detach from her body at night, compelling her to feed on flesh and blood. This transformation forces Sai into secrecy, as she struggles to conceal her condition while the village experiences mysterious attacks on livestock and residents, heightening paranoia and fear. Her relationships with Jerd and Noi become strained; Jerd, a simple and devoted villager, pursues her romantically, while Noi, who has returned from studying medicine in with a group of rebels, offers unwavering support despite the growing dangers. Romantic tensions escalate into a , complicating Sai's efforts to maintain normalcy amid the curse's uncontrollable urges. The villagers, convinced a is responsible for the horrors, organize hunts led by locals and Noi’s rebel allies, drawing Sai deeper into isolation and moral dilemmas. The plot builds from themes of youthful innocence to escalating horror, culminating in a tragic climax where sacrifice and confrontation determine Sai's fate and leave lasting impacts on the survivors.

Cast and characters

Phantira Pipityakorn stars as Sai, the film's central protagonist, an innocent young woman in a rural Thai village who becomes the unwitting host to a krasue curse, struggling to conceal her transforming monstrous nature while caught in a romantic entanglement with her childhood friend Jerd. Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang plays Noi, Sai's devoted childhood best friend who returns to the village and harbors unrequited romantic feelings for her, ultimately assisting in efforts to hide the curse's effects amid growing suspicions from the community. Sapol Assawamunkong portrays Jerd, Sai's loyal childhood companion and primary love interest, whose deepening affection for her is complicated by fear and uncertainty as the curse's dangers threaten their bond and the village's safety. In supporting roles, Surasak Wongthai appears as Tad, a village elder who leads efforts to hunt and eradicate the perceived threat, drawing on local traditions to protect the community. Other notable supporting characters include Ting (Nancy Darina Boonchu), a childhood friend who disappears during the flashback scene; family members such as Sai's mother (played by Duangjai Hiransri), who provides emotional grounding amid the turmoil; and various villagers involved in the escalating krasue hunts. The casting emphasized emerging young talent to authentically capture the dynamics of teenage and romance in a rural setting, with director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri selecting relative newcomers like Pipityakorn, Wiwattanawarang, and Assawamunkong for their fresh portrayals of vulnerability and emotional complexity.

Cultural context

Krasue folklore

The , also known as Phi Krasue, is a nocturnal female spirit prominent in , manifesting as the severed head of a young woman that detaches from her body at night and floats through the air with her trailing, glowing entrails and organs dangling below. This form is driven by an insatiable hunger, feeding on blood, raw flesh, placentas, and even excrement or other impure substances, often targeting rural areas where it preys on pregnant women, newborns, or . The spirit's eyes typically glow with a pulsating , enhancing its eerie presence in the darkness, and it is considered a that blurs the boundaries between human and supernatural realms. The myth extends across with regional variations in nomenclature and details. In Cambodian , the equivalent entity is called the Ap, depicted similarly as a woman's glowing head with floating entrails, associated with and the consumption of items like afterbirth or menstrual blood. In Lao traditions, it is referred to as Kasu or Kasu, retaining the core imagery of a predatory floating head but integrated into local animistic beliefs about night spirits haunting villages. These variations reflect shared cultural motifs in the region, where the spirit embodies fears of the and the unclean, often tied to rural, forested environments rather than urban settings. The origins of the are rooted in curses stemming from moral or ritual transgressions, particularly those involving women. In Thai lore, it typically arises from a failed attempt at or the commission of grave sins such as lying, , or , resulting in a postmortem where the woman's head becomes eternally detached and ravenous. Cambodian accounts link the Ap to practitioners of sneh, a form of using herbal potions, portraying it as a consequence of boundary-violating sorcery that transforms the user into a half-spirit entity. This narrative underscores animistic beliefs in karma and retribution, as documented in early 20th-century ethnographies of Siamese supernaturalism. Variations in the include associations with a male counterpart known as the , a hovering spirit often depicted as a loincloth-clad man who haunts the same rural locales and is sometimes considered the 's consort or protector. To ward off the , traditional protections involve spiritual rituals, amulets, or placing thorny plants around homes to snag the trailing organs and prevent reattachment at dawn, reflecting practical folk strategies against perceived threats. These elements highlight the spirit's vulnerability during its nocturnal wanderings, emphasizing community-based defenses in village life. Culturally, the serves as a of punishment for female transgression and a moral against practices like illicit magic or , reinforcing social norms around , purity, and propriety in Southeast Asian societies. It embodies anxieties over the permeable boundaries between and , human and animal, often representing the abject and the marginalized in animistic worldviews. While deeply embedded in rural oral traditions, the myth has permeated festivals and communal , preserving its role as a vehicle for ethical warnings and .

Adaptation and themes

Inhuman Kiss adapts the traditional by centering the narrative on Sai, a young woman afflicted with the curse, thereby humanizing the typically malevolent spirit through her internal emotional turmoil and quest for normalcy. Unlike the folklore's depiction of the as a purely vengeful entity driven by karmic retribution, the film introduces elements of romance and personal agency, portraying Sai's transformation as a tragic from a childhood incident that forces her to navigate her dual existence with compassion and vulnerability. This reinterpretation shifts the focus from outright horror to a sympathetic exploration of the creature's plight, blending elements with human to create a more relatable . The theme of identity forms the core of the film's psychological depth, with Sai's duality as both human and monster serving as a for adolescent -discovery amid societal pressures. Her nightly detachments symbolize the fragmentation of during , exacerbated by rejection from her , which views her condition as an abomination rather than a to be understood. This portrayal mirrors broader struggles of acceptance, where Sai grapples with her monstrous urges while clinging to her humanity through friendships and affections, highlighting the tension between innate nature and external judgment. At the heart of the narrative lies the involving Sai, her childhood friend Jerd, and the newcomer Noi, which intertwines unrequited desires with horror to underscore motifs of and unconditional . The romantic tensions amplify the supernatural conflict, as Sai's affections compel her to suppress her predatory instincts for the sake of those she loves, ultimately leading to profound acts of that test the boundaries of and . This central motif elevates the film beyond conventions, using the lovers' dynamics to explore how love can either redeem or doom in the face of otherworldly affliction. The film's setting in 1940s rural during intensifies themes of isolation and , as the war's distant echoes—such as school closures and family displacements—heighten the villagers' reliance on to explain the uncanny. This historical backdrop amplifies Sai's alienation, portraying her curse as a parallel to the era's societal upheavals, while subtly critiquing gender roles through the Krasue's female embodiment, which ties into patriarchal constraints on women and their association with natural, uncontrollable forces. By linking the to wartime , the adaptation comments on how perpetuates gender-based in Thai society.

Release

Theatrical and international distribution

Inhuman Kiss had its theatrical release in on March 14, 2019, distributed by M Pictures. The film opened wide across local cinemas, capitalizing on the growing popularity of genres rooted in . For international expansion, Inhuman Kiss was selected as 's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the in 2020, though it was not shortlisted among the nominees. The film also received screenings at prominent Asian s, including the Five Flavours Asian in , where it was featured in the 2019 program as part of a showcase highlighting Southeast Asian horror cinema. Additional appearances, such as at the Udine , helped build international buzz for the film's unique blend of elements and emotional storytelling. Marketing efforts focused on the film's horror-romance hybrid, with official trailers highlighting the curse's terrifying manifestations alongside themes of love and sacrifice among the protagonists. Promotional posters prominently featured image of the disembodied head with glowing entrails, evoking traditional while appealing to global horror enthusiasts. The campaign targeted audiences in and international horror markets through teasers and festival tie-ins, emphasizing the film's cultural authenticity and emotional depth. In terms of distribution deals, acquired worldwide streaming video-on-demand rights (excluding ) to Inhuman Kiss in May 2019, shortly after its domestic release, facilitating broader global accessibility. This agreement, brokered with M Pictures, marked a significant step in the film's international rollout, positioning it for audiences beyond theatrical circuits.

Home media and streaming

Following its theatrical release on March 14, 2019, Inhuman Kiss became available on home media in through DVD and Blu-ray formats by early 2020. These physical releases included English subtitles to cater to international audiences, with Blu-ray editions distributed in markets such as and the starting January 2020. Netflix secured worldwide subscription video-on-demand rights (excluding ) in May 2019, making the film an exclusive streaming title on the platform from June 30, 2019, onward. This deal significantly expanded its global reach, with availability in over 190 countries and support for multiple languages including English, Thai, and others via and dubbed audio tracks. By 2022, the film had been added to additional platforms such as in select regions, alongside regional services like for Asian markets. As of November 2025, no major 4K UHD upgrades have been released for home media or streaming versions. Accessibility features include comprehensive subtitles in multiple languages, with audio descriptions available for the film's folklore-centric scenes in supported regions.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Inhuman Kiss received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its integration of with emotional depth and atmospheric horror elements. The film holds an 83% approval rating on based on eight critic reviews, with praise centered on its atmospheric tension and visual storytelling that elevates traditional ghost lore into a romantic tragedy. Critics also highlighted some shortcomings, particularly in the film's structure and character development. Several reviews pointed to slow pacing in the early acts and a predictable romance that occasionally undercuts the horror. Asian Movie Pulse commended the strong visuals and authenticity but criticized the underdeveloped side characters, which limited the depth of the ensemble beyond the leads. Overall, the critical consensus recognized Inhuman Kiss for advancing by prioritizing a character-driven over jump scares, blending supernatural elements with heartfelt drama. It earned an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 on from 2,388 user ratings, reflecting appreciation for its unique take on while noting narrative familiarities. In 2025 retrospectives following the sequel's release, the original garnered renewed interest for its innovative horror-romance hybrid. Outlets like We Have Issues described it as a "lush reversal," emphasizing its enduring emotional resonance and visual lushness in recontextualizing lore for modern audiences.

Commercial performance and accolades

Inhuman Kiss achieved significant commercial success domestically in , grossing over 100 million THB (approximately $3.3 million USD) at the , which positioned it as one of the top-performing Thai films of and a clear hit in its home market. International earnings were limited, primarily through festival screenings rather than wide theatrical distribution. In terms of audience reception, the film holds an average rating of 3.2 out of 5 on , based on more than 3,400 user ratings. Its acquisition by for worldwide streaming rights (excluding ) in 2019 further amplified its reach, helping to elevate the profile of internationally as the third highest-grossing Thai film of the year up to that point. For accolades, Inhuman Kiss was chosen as Thailand's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020, though it did not receive a nomination. At the 10th Suphannahong National Film Awards, the film secured a win for Best Makeup Effects, recognizing the work of Sirirat Jamfah. It garnered no major international awards but earned recognition for its innovative horror elements through screenings at prominent Asian film festivals, including the Five Flavours Asian Film Festival in Warsaw and the Far East Film Festival in Udine.

Legacy

Cultural impact

Inhuman Kiss has significantly contributed to the revival of the legend in contemporary media, blending traditional with modern horror elements to spark renewed interest in Southeast Asian ghosts on a global scale. The film's portrayal of the phi —a nocturnal female spirit whose head detaches to feed on blood and flesh—has been analyzed in academic works as a catalyst for discussions on Thai monster narratives in international horror cinema. For instance, a 2020 study highlights how the movie extends the 's century-long presence in Thai popular culture, positioning it as a symbol of evolving folklore that resonates beyond regional boundaries. The film's success has bolstered the supernatural romance genre within the Thai film industry, demonstrating the commercial viability of folklore-infused narratives. Produced by Transformation Films and distributed by M Pictures, it achieved strong domestic performance in 2019, leading to international acquisitions such as Netflix's worldwide streaming rights (excluding ), which expanded its reach and inspired similar productions. This momentum is evident in the 2023 sequel Inhuman Kiss: The Last Breath, which secured sales across and the , underscoring the original's role in elevating Thai directors like Sitisiri Mongkolsiri to broader recognition. Additionally, Thailand's selection of the film as its 2020 Oscar entry for Best International Feature Film further amplified global interest in Thai supernatural storytelling. On a social level, Inhuman Kiss has prompted examinations of dynamics and metaphorical interpretations of its curse motif, set against the backdrop of 1940s rural during . Scholarly analyses interpret the krasue transformation as a lens for exploring empowerment through nature and , challenging traditional views of spirits as mere threats and instead portraying them as complex figures navigating societal stigma. The narrative's WWII context also highlights underrepresented Thai perspectives on wartime occupation and rural isolation, fostering conversations about and bodily in Thai media. These themes have influenced critical interpretations that link the curse to broader metaphors for , illness, and gendered curses in Southeast Asian horror. In popular culture, the film has permeated Thai festivals and online discourse, with screenings at events like the Five Flavours Asian Film Festival reinforcing its role in promoting regional myth adaptations. Its iconic imagery has appeared in Thai cultural retrospectives, tying krasue lore to contemporary Southeast Asian horror trends and inspiring visual references in local media.

Sequel

Inhuman Kiss: The Last Breath (Thai: แสงกระสือ 2), a 2023 Thai supernatural horror film, serves as the direct sequel to the 2019 original, extending the narrative around the krasue curse into a story of inherited affliction and forbidden love. Directed by Paphangkorn Punchantarak in his feature film debut, the movie was released in Thailand on March 30, 2023, by Neramitnung Film. The screenplay was written by Pete Kasidej Sundararjun, who crafted a tale set approximately 30 years after the events of the first film. The plot centers on Sao, who has inherited her mother's krasue curse, transforming her into a flesh-eating at night while struggling to maintain her humanity during the day. Reunited with childhood friend Klao, an albino man with unique genetic healing abilities, Sao embarks on a quest to break the curse's cycle, complicated by the emergence of another monstrous entity seeking to exploit her powers. Their budding romance drives the narrative, emphasizing emotional bonds and sacrifice over outright terror, as they confront hunters and threats in a bid for normalcy. This installment shifts focus from the original's wartime horror to a more intimate romance, blending with themes of otherness and redemption. Produced by Neramitnung Film in collaboration with Transformation Films, the film retained the series' commitment to authentic Thai mythology while incorporating for the transformations, handled by Fatcat Studios. Punchantarak, previously known for television commercials, brought a lush cinematic style to the production, starring Chanya McClory as Sao alongside a supporting exploring the leads' outsider status. The movie secured international distribution deals across , , and CIS territories prior to release, signaling strong market interest in the franchise. Reception was mixed, with the film earning a 5.0/10 rating on from 203 user votes, reflecting divided opinions on its tonal pivot. Critics and audiences praised the striking visuals and practical-feeling effects in transformation sequences, as well as the emotional depth in romantic elements, but criticized it for subdued scares and underdeveloped supporting characters, often comparing it unfavorably to the original's intensity. On , it lacks a critic Tomatometer score due to limited reviews, though audience feedback highlights solid acting from leads and atmospheric despite pacing issues. Commercially, it achieved moderate domestic success in and generated international sales akin to the franchise's established appeal, though specific Thai grosses remain underreported outside regional charts.

References

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