Inherit film review: Thai horror explores society’s Faustian pact

Inherit, directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, is a slick Thai horror film that delves into our obsession with looking and remaining young. The Manasvanich family finds themselves in crisis due to a chemical leak at their factory, which may or may not be causing birth defects in the local population. To add to their troubles, Grandma Woranart, a seemingly twentysomething woman, unexpectedly arrives at their doorstep.

Grandma insists on being called "Grandma" and possesses a youthful appearance that leaves everyone both aroused and uncomfortable. She reveals that she has found the elixir of youth, using a combination of Botox, GLP-1s, and chemical peels. Her teenage daughter, Oui, develops a close friendship with Grandma, often lounging beside her by the pool and going shopping together. However, their happiness is short-lived as a string of violent deaths begins to occur in their wake.

The film cleverly shifts the familiar trope of demons being battled by religious types to a different cultural context. Instead of priests with crucifixes, we have robed monks and statues of the Buddha. The performances are brilliantly acted, particularly the sultry and over-the-top portrayal of Grandma by Davika Hoorne. The visual style of the film is exquisite, with director Banjong Pisanthanakun showcasing his exquisite visual flair once again.

Initially, Inherit takes its time to slowly simmer, demonstrating restraint in its use of jump scares and gory body-horror. However, as the net closes around Grandma's true face, the film becomes less frightening. The introduction of a deus ex machina to wrap things up in the final act feels unsatisfying, given the solid narrative work that precedes it. Despite this, Inherit remains a smart and scary satire of our obsession with flawless skin, relevant in Birmingham or Bristol as it would be in Bangkok.