“Cracked”: An inherited painting results to be a portrait of pure evil

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in Cracked (2022), a terrifying new Thai horror film, an inherited painting may be worth a thousand screams.

In the movie, Ruja returns to Thailand from New York with her young daughter Rachel to settle her late father’s estate. Included in her inheritance are two mysterious portraits of a bewitching woman that she is told are worth a fortune if only they weren’t damaged. Desperate to sell the paintings, Ruja hires Tim, an art restorer, to prepare the canvases for sale. But the cracks in the paint have begun to reveal long-hidden secrets, and as strange phenomena begin to emerge around them, Ruja and Rachel quickly realize their lives are in grave danger.

Cracked (2022) is the debut feature film of the writer and director Surapong Ploensang. Ornusa Donsawai and Pun Homchuen, who worked together on the mystery TV series The Debut (2021) and the thriller Awasarn Lok Suay (2016), have also collaborated on the screenplay.

The main cast is formed by Chayanit Chansangavej, known for the acclaimed thriller Someone from Nowhere (2017), and the K-pop star Nichkhun. Byron Bishop, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Nutthatcha Padovan, and Machida Sutthikunphanit complete the cast.

Cracked (2022) was released in its country of origin Thailand on February 24, 2022, and it was part of the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy the following April. Now, it is scheduled for a DVD and digital release by Film Movement on May 26, 2023.

Watch its official trailer here.