Halabala [Movie Review]

Halabala [Movie Review] | Thanks so much Budiey, for the invitation to the premiere of Hala Bala, the latest horror film from our neighbour, Thailand. 

Just by reading the title, in direct translation, wishing trouble upon others.

SYNOPSIS

Halabala (2025) Trivia

• Starring: Chantavit Dhanasevi, Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich, Anon Saisangsharn & Yasaka Chaisorn
• Director: Eakasit Thairaat
• Producer: Anuncha Boonyawatana, Elalak Klunson, M.L. Jaroondet Voravan, Duangkamor Wongpratoom & Chartchai Worapiankul
• Production Company: BrandThink Cinema

• Distributed by: Mokster Films

• Release date: June 26, 2025

• Running time: 110 minutes
• Rating: MA
• Country: Thailand
• Language: Thai
• IMDb: 6.1/ 10
• Tomatometer: NA
• Metascore: NA
• Hala Bala is a rainforest and wildlife sanctuary situated in southern Thailand on the border with Malaysia.
• This film is Eakasit’s solo directorial debut, after working on series like Terror Tuesday: Extreme and The Collector, and writing horror hits like Homestay and 13 Game of Death.

Inspector Dan, who is also known by the masses as Dan the Hundred Corpses, is known for being wild, unpredictable, and a little too close to danger.  He is the kind of cop who’s either your worst nightmare or your only hope. Even his pregnant wife, Vi, advises him not to kill the criminals on the street - bring them back alive for interrogation.

But after one too many dead bodies and bad calls, Dan is sent far from the bustling chaos of Bangkok to the deep, forbidden jungle of Halabala. 

One of the dead bodies includes Tup Ta Fai's brother. When he learns of his brother's death, he attempts to escape from the prison and succeeds. Now he is on a mission to avenge the death of his brother.   

Learning of the prison break, fearing for his life, Dan intends to capture Tup Ta Fai. The latest info is Tup Ta Fai is in Halabala. 

Seems simple. But Halabala isn’t just any forest. Rumour has it, the jungle has eyes, dark and ancient ones.

Legends speak of the Batow — a tribe of cannibals that dwelled in Halabala. It is said that the tribe vanished years ago. To be more accurate, the tribe was cleansed by the locals in fear of them worshipping the devil. 

However, there are still whispers that they’re still out there, hiding among the trees, watching and waiting.

As Dan leads a team of unfit, half-forgotten officers into the heart of the jungle, his focus is tested. Not just by the hunt, but by something far more personal — his wife, Vi. He brought her along for a fresh start, but being heavily pregnant and surrounded by creeping shadows is far from the life she imagined.

Soon, it becomes clear — they’re not alone. There’s something in the forest. And it’s hungry.

Will Dan redeem himself? Or will the jungle write the final chapter of his legend?

MY REVIEW

What I Like:  

• Not the typical horror movie - lots of jump scares and dark surroundings. 
• This one touches on mental health and healthy relationships.
• Character building helps to understand the story and the characters.

What I Don't Like:

• The music selection seems a bit out of place in certain scenes. 
• The last part of the movie confuses me - is he alive? Is he the devil? Is Vi alive? 
  

Will I Watch It Again: Yes, I would but not on my priority list.

Overall: 4.0/ 5.0

The pictures are taken from multiple sources on the Internet. Thank you.

#Halabala #Horror #Thriller #RawlinsGLAM #RawlinsLifestyle #MovieReviewbyRawlins