If we did a crossover between “I Feel You Linger in the Air” and “To Sir With Love”, the end result would be “After Sundown”.

Adapted from the novel “Dap Saeng Rawi” (ดับแสงรวี) by CEO, the movie is a rustic romance with a slight supernatural edge. The first thing I noticed about this movie is that, even though it was promoted as a horror thriller; the story is anything but that. The film is a delicately crafted romance between the main leads, Zee Pruk (Phraphloeng) and NuNew Chawarin (Rawi). The movie is full of cliche tropes- social divide, arranged marriage and revenge. This might make it sound old-fashioned, but that’s the charm of this movie which keeps you enthralled from the get-go. I wasn’t much invested in the horror aspect and only watched this because Zee & NuNew are a force to be reckoned with. And they do not disappoint, although their scenes here are a little less passionate (as compared to their romantic scenes in “Cutie Pie The Series), their chemistry shines through. Let me walk you through the best moments in this movie!

What I Liked About This Movie

☆ The highlight of this movie isn’t the supernatural element; instead it focuses entirely on developing the slow burn romance between the main leads. Set in 1961, Rawi lives with his reverend Uncle, Janthakorn until he turns twenty-one and is sent to live at Sitthikornkan Castle in Phra Nakhon. The castle is owned by Phraphloeng, currently living abroad. Heeding the words of a sage, Phloeng’s parents urge him back to Thailand. About to turn twenty-five, a prophecy requires him to soon find his soulmate to secure his safety; they may not be a woman, nor born in Phra Nakhon. Throughout his stay with Phloeng’s family, Rawi is plagued by nightmares and haunted by a spirit. When he begins staying close to Phloeng, however, the spirit is quiet. It soon becomes clear that whatever is haunting the house is focused entirely on Rawi.

☆ Now, there are many loopholes to the premise quoted above; first of all, the sage predicts that Phloeng’s life might be in danger and hence he needs to be bound to his destined soulmate. This just seems like a ploy to get Rawi married to Phloeng; Rawi is the only one in danger after he enters the castle. He is haunted by a revengeful spirit who is hellbent on seeking revenge from his reverend Uncle.

☆ Either ways, the story moves forward from there, but not without our time tested formula of “Enemies to Lover’s” trope. Phloeng and Rawi’s first meeting isn’t exactly amicable; you might think that Rawi wouldn’t be enthusiastic about tying his fate to the arrogant rich heir, who treats him badly. But Rawi takes it as a challenge and slowly but steadily, makes Phloeng fall for him. Oh, how the mighty ones fall, their romance was a joy to watch. Zee & NuNew breeze through their romantic scenes; it’s obvious love scenes come easily to them, such is their chemistry.

☆ NuNew’s performance is the most surprising aspect here. His subtle transformation into a shy, innocent orphan is perfect. It might feel that his character has been typecast; his behavioral patterns resemble that of an ideal married woman, but he is anything but that. Rawi always boldly stands up against Phloeng whenever he acts rude or arrogant.

☆ The backstory represents a queer romance between the older generation, portrayed by Pharit (Nu Surasak) and Janthakorn (War Jirawat). Nu Surasak has previously played an openly gay character in “My Ride The Series”; as against that role, here he plays a repressed gay who has spent an entire lifetime being in love with his ex-flame, Janthakorn. Their love story was truly remorseful and sad.

☆ There is a subtle romance brewing between the servants, Kraipop (Nammon Krittanai) and Phutson (Namping Napatsakorn). Phutson has a crush on Phloeng who obviously doesn’t notice his existence. As he has a breakdown watching Phloeng with Rawi, Kraipop comforts him and thus begins their love story. Even though they have very few scenes, Nammon and Namping has a good chemistry; here’s hoping that someone casts them in a drama again.

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

Certain scenes might remind you of the historical romance “I Feel You Linger in the Air”. The costumes, settings are resplendent of the foregone era and unexpectedly that adds a distinct flavor to the horror element that traverses this romance. Make no mistake, the movie solely banks on the Zee-Nunew chemistry to drive the narrative forward; so much so that at times, the supernatural elements take a backseat. But it’s never boring; you get so engrossed watching the lead pair romance that the revengeful spirit becomes an afterthought. If you are a diehard Zee-Nunew fan, then this movie should definitely be on your watchlist!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix Thailand