A thorny paradise: A tale of love, loss, and legal battles
The Paradise of Thorns is a delightfully macabre soap opera that intertwines betrayal, family secrets, and a poignant political message about same-sex marriage in Thailand. The film’s release is timely, given the recent approval of a law legalizing gay unions, which is still pending royal approval. This cinematic exploration of the need for such protections is both pressing and profound.
A love story amidst the thorns
The narrative centers on a queer couple, Thongkam (Jeff Satur) and Sek (Pongsakorn Mettarikanon), who have built a life together on a sprawling orchard. Their relationship, though not legally recognized, is as solid as any marriage. However, tragedy strikes when Sek falls from a durian tree, leaving Thongkam vulnerable to Thailand’s draconian inheritance laws and the predatory intentions of Sek’s family.
Watch the trailer for The Paradise of Thorns
The battle for the orchard
The orchard, while spiritually belonging to both men, is legally in Sek’s name. This leads to complications after his death when Sek’s invalid mother, Saeng (Srida Puapimol), and her adopted daughter, Mo (Engfa Waraha), arrive to claim what they believe is theirs. The film delves into the unresolved family mysteries and the cold war over property that ensues. Before the conflict erupts, the film allows the grief on both sides to fester, making both factions feel irrevocably human.
A nuanced portrayal of villainy
Through Thongkam’s eyes, Saeng and Mo are seen as malevolent forces, eager to inherit the land. Saeng even sleeps in Thongkam’s bed and urinates in it, a consequence of her disability. However, behind Thongkam’s back, the film creates a sense of sympathy for both women. They are still villainous for much of the film, going as far as kicking Thongkam off his own land. To reclaim what is his, Thongkam concocts a sly, slow-burning revenge plot that is surprisingly enjoyable to watch. He becomes a classic Disney villain with a heart of gold and a justified grudge, and Satur’s portrayal is both slimy and poignant.
High drama with a message
The film’s director, Kuno, laments the tragedy of recognizing personhood through documentation. However, he provides the kind of high drama that makes this message digestible for mass entertainment. Thongkam’s romantic tête-à-tête further magnifies the film’s purview of queer oppression, but this straightforward thoughtfulness comes at the cost of the film’s most gaudy and explosive conflicts.
Balancing contrasts
Balancing these contrasts proves difficult at times. The film’s LGBTQ politics ought to theoretically go hand-in-hand with its cultural queerness—a kitschy, high-camp style of dramatic storytelling. Despite never fully blending these approaches, Kuno’s fun melodrama sits comfortably alongside his more serious paean to equal rights, making The Paradise of Thorns enjoyable enough.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, I found The Paradise of Thorns to be a compelling blend of high drama and poignant social commentary. The film’s exploration of same-sex marriage and inheritance laws in Thailand is both timely and necessary. The characters are richly drawn, and the plot is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s high-camp style adds a layer of enjoyment, making it a must-watch for fans of melodrama and social justice narratives alike.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer and get additional details on the The Paradise of Thorns information page.
The Paradise of Thorns is a film that successfully combines high drama with a powerful message about the importance of legal protections for same-sex couples. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in LGBTQ rights, melodrama, and compelling storytelling.