"The Unborn Soul" (Vong Nhi), released in 2023, is a Vietnamese horror film that delves into the sensitive topic of abortion. Directed by Hoang Tuan Cuong, the movie stars Lê Phương, Quốc Huy, Nhật Kim Anh, Hạnh Thúy, Lê Trang, Như Đan, Trà Ngọc, Lê Khâm, and others. The film premiered in theaters in Vietnam and available globally on Netflix.
Synopsis
Set in modern-day Vietnam, "The Unborn Soul" revolves around Thao (Le Phuong), a married woman longing to have a child. After moving into a new house, Thao becomes overjoyed when she discovers she is finally pregnant. However, her happiness quickly turns into fear as she experiences unsettling occurrences, such as the sound of children's laughter and haunting nightmares.
As the story unfolds, Thao's dark secret and the consequences of a past decision are revealed. The film explores the repercussions of abortion through Thao's journey and intertwines the stories of other characters, including her sister, a female doctor named Phuong, and Mrs. Thuan, presenting a multi-dimensional view of the emotional and societal impacts of such decisions.
Movie Review
"The Unborn Soul" presents an intriguing premise within the horror genre, but it falls short of maximizing its potential. The film's nearly two-hour runtime allows for a decent setup of supernatural and psychological horror elements. However, it struggles to maintain a cohesive balance throughout the narrative.
The initial 30 minutes of the film demonstrate the potential to confuse and scare the audience effectively, using music and unexpected scares. However, the execution feels inconsistent, with moments that make viewers uncomfortable and others that undermine the suspense. The transition from supernatural horror to psychological horror in the second half brings more depth to the story, exploring themes of redemption and the roles of spouses in unstable situations.
The performances of the main and supporting cast members, including Le Phuong, evoke emotions and provide moments of sadness. The film manages to convey important lessons and messages, emphasizing the deep parental love and the concept of justice for the perpetrators. Technically, the film's execution fluctuates between good and clunky elements.
Conclusion
"The Unborn Soul" tackles the sensitive subject of abortion within the framework of a horror film. While it may not fully satisfy hardcore horror enthusiasts, the movie succeeds in conveying poignant lessons and raising awareness about the consequences of such decisions. The narrative's structure and execution could have been more refined, but the film still manages to touch upon familial themes and social issues.
"The Unborn Soul" presents a unique perspective on the emotional complexities surrounding abortion. It intertwines supernatural horror elements with psychological exploration, creating a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Although it may not reach the heights of perfection, the film deserves attention for its attempt to tackle a challenging topic within the horror genre.
The Unborn Soul (2023) - info
- Release date: March 2, 2023
- Genre: Drama, Horror
- Director: Hoang Tuan Cuong
- Writer: Pavan Grover
- Stars: Quoc Huy, Hanh Thuy Ngo Pham, Kim Anh Nhat