THAILAND, 2024.
Available on streaming platforms.
Set in Bangkok, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (หลานม่า – Lahn Mah) is a film that speaks of universal topics and feels very fresh in its essence. The reason for its possessing such a vibrant quality might be that it’s a debut feature for director Pat Boonnitipat, and that he chose to have two first-time actors in the leading roles precisely because he wanted the storytelling to feel natural.
The story is that of a young man named M (Putthipong ‘Billkin’ Assaratanakul) who is an aspiring video game streamer living with his mother. When the family receives news that his grandmother Menju (Usha Seamkhum) is terminally ill, he and his mother and uncles begin to visit her more frequently. Their interest, however, seems to be fuelled by a sense of duty mixed with the unspoken hope that she might leave them the bigger share of the inheritance. Calm and unperturbed, Menju faces her illness while quietly assessing the situation, trying to work out where genuine care ends and avarice begins.
The plot looks at timeless concerns like generational clashes, resentments between family members and the difficulty that parents and their offspring often face when it comes to communicating their feelings. It takes a quiet dig at modern society by juxtaposing the hardworking grandmother who empathises with everyone and loves nothing more than spending time with loved ones, and the younger generations who isolate themselves in front of screens and are obsessed with easy money (M playing video games, his cousin selling adult content online).
Boonnitipat and his team manage to avoid making the story overly sentimental, which benefits the final outcome considerably. The film also profits from Seamkhum‘s graceful lead performance. The plot cannot be said to be original as its themes have been widely explored and its trajectory can be predicted. Where it lacks in innovation, however, it makes up for in genuineness and feeling. Besides, what is novel is the fact that Thai audiences have received it very enthusiastically in spite of it being a drama (it was the best opening of the year), whereas they usually favour action and horror films. Its trend-defying success, locally and internationally, proves that it undeniably makes for enjoyable viewing.
The Immersive Verdict: Where it lacks in innovation, the film makes up for in genuineness and feeling. It features a graceful lead performance and feels very fresh in its essence. Its trend-defying success, locally and internationally, proves that it undeniably makes for enjoyable viewing.
— Mersa Auda
