What would you do if the movie you were watching suddenly comes to life, kills the people around you one by one, and finally turns to killing you in the end?
That’s the exact premise the movie Coming Soon, released in 2008, works around. What makes this horror movie a bit scarier than the others is that even horror films can come to life and attack the people who are watching. Not long after, even I asked myself: what if the same thing happens to me while I’m watching this movie? Will the characters of Coming Soon kill me too?
The Plot
Chen (Chantavit Danasevi) and Som (Vorakarn Rojjanavatchra) just broke up, no thanks to the Chen’s drug dependency. His addiction has become so uncontrollable that he has begun to steal Som’s things just to buy drugs. Som has finally had enough and decided to leave Chen once and for all.
This massive blow to Chen prompts him to finally get his act together and start undoing the sins of his past. This includes getting enough money to pawn back the wrist watch he stole from Som. Together with Peoll, who with Chen works as projectionists in the theater, they decide to enter the piracy industry. Their first foray into piracy was to film a horror movie that has yet to be shown. Chen leaves Peoll to do the videotaping of the film, while he goes back to the projection room.
Chen inconveniently falls asleep and upon waking up, he looks for Peoll. He only finds the camera, and when he tries calling Peoll, a chilling image appeared on the screen: that of Peoll’s body, with his cellphone ringing on the screen—the cellphone Chen is calling!
The death of Peoll makes Chen want to give up, but it’s unfortunately too late. He has to finish this task, or the piracy dealer will get them in trouble. Helpless, Chen enlists the help of Som, who still cares for him deeply. Together, they investigate the story behind the horror film. Apparently, it was based on real life. Even worse, the suicidal woman in the film haunts the watchers who get to see her commit suicide in the silver screen! By the time the pair realize this, the suicidal woman is already out to get them.
A Solid Plot with Enough Scare Factor
With the rise of Asian horror films, standing out among the lot is definitely a challenge. Coming Soon is able to do this with the story’s unique take of horror films. In fact, this horror film’s moral is to be careful about watching horror films, as they can be dangerous—even deadly.
More than being interesting, the movie’s scare factor is also enough to give viewers a few shivers. I for one couldn’t help but crawl under the sheets with a few of the film’s terrifying scenes.
Its director, Sopon Sukdapisit, knows all too well how to give people a good scare, having co-written some of the best Thai horror films Shutter and Alone. More than just being scary, it is also set in a realistic setting. Piracy as well know is prevalent in Asian countries—and Coming Soon makes this a valid premise for its story. Overall, this was a horror movie done well.
Watch the trailer:
[flv:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC8EIAAbQDM 250 185]
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