“MA DA: The Drowning Spirit,” the latest from 815 Pictures, redefines Vietnamese horror films, setting a new standard, as it’s the biggest horror film the country has ever produced. The film delivers a chilling plot and dives into haunting lore with eerie landscapes set against the backdrop of the Mekong River. Similar to “The Ring” or “The Exorcist,” the movie leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
Director Nguyen Huu Hoang mixes fear and folklore as the story follows Nhung, a young schoolgirl who comes across a cursed doll that links her to the vengeful spirit of Ma Da. As the soul-stirring plot unfolds, the audience is soon drawn into a world rich with sorrow and terror.
The opening scenes give off a sense of dread and mystery that sets the tone for the entire film. The lore surrounding Ma Da, a spirit believed to claim the lives of spiritually compatible people, drives a story thick with suspense, as the legend of Ma Da—a drowned girl seeking vengeance—casts a shadow over Nhung’s fate.
Trung Dan, Viet Huong, and Thanh Loc deliver nail-biting performances. Viet Huong is at the center of it all. She plays Mrs. Le, a devoted mother who confronts the malevolent spirit who goes after her daughter. Mrs. Le’s desperation and desire to save her daughter turns the horror film into an emotional ride, as we witness the lengths she’s willing to go to stop Ma Da.
“MA DA” conquers the terror genre while touching on karma, hinting at deeper layers of tragedy as it explores how your past choices, no matter how innocent, could affect your life today. Feelings of fright and sadness linger from scene to scene, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The movie unravels a series of spine-chilling events that will keep audiences guessing and questioning reality. “MA DA” delivers shocking, jaw-dropping twists throughout that will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about Nhung and her family.
The runtime of 93 minutes moves fast, as each scene carries intensity and intrigue into the next. Mysterious happenings and supernatural surroundings give off an unsettling ambiance, and it’s all tied together by a terrific cast of layered characters.
“MA DA: The Drowning Spirit” is more than just an average horror movie; it makes you think about loss, love, and the ties that bind us. It will make you rethink your relationship with the supernatural and send you on a chilling journey that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.
“MA DA: The Drowning Spirit” is in theaters now.
