DON’T SLEEP: Thai Horror That Won’t Let Anyone Rest Easy
Thai horror is already making a chilling return in the Philippine cinema with Don’t Sleep, a supernatural thriller that dares to ask what happens when ancient spirits collide with the weight of fears. Starring Atiwat Saengtien (Pee Nak) and Pantipa Arunwattanachai (Oh My Ghost: The Finale), this film will haunt Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting June 4, 2025. This film is rated R-16.
Set in modern-day Thailand, the film pulls from ancient Thai practices to explore personal demons and the weight of emotional baggage. It’s not just spirits crawling or the constant screaming of names and “Where are you?” into the void of the spirit world, but it’s about what happens when the things we try to ignore come back… with a vengeance.
A Game That Shouldn’t Have Been Played
It all starts at a party. A group of friends, thinking it was harmless fun, starts playing with Belle and Sam’s mother’s prized possession, a mystical Ouija-like board called Pee Tuey Gaew. What begins as a simple dare to take turns with the board quickly spirals into a waking nightmare, as the group inadvertently awakens dark spirits, as they start unleashing a haunting chain of events that forces each of them to confront the traumas and memories they’ve long buried.
The only rule keeping them alive is etched in whispered warnings: Don’t sleep. You sleep, you die. Or face your ultimate nightmare.
A Horror That Tackles Guilt, Grief, and Trauma
Despite its well-timed comedic moments, the movie effectively uses symbolism to portray how guilt, grief, and trauma can make someone don’t sleep. The central characters introduced at the beginning are the siblings Belle and Sam, who serve as the catalysts for the unfolding chain of events.
A key element to watch out for is the deeper meaning hidden within the film’s jump scares— they often represent more than just fear. The movie is divided into chapters, with each focusing on a different character and the emotional burdens they carry, as reflected through the ghosts that haunt them.
Overall, Pee Tuay Gaew can be seen not just as a vessel of horror, but also as a manifestation of longing— bringing terror to some, and comfort to others.
A Standout in Modern Thai Horror
Expect to be taken on a rollercoaster ride of horror and comedy when watching Don’t Sleep. One moment, you’re on the edge of your seat—and the next, you’re bursting into laughter. The movie masterfully blends these two genres, using strong cinematic elements to build tension and keep you alert for the next jump scare.
What truly elevates this film is its perfectly timed comedic relief, often inserted during scenes of confusion or tension. These moments don’t break the atmosphere— they enhance it, making the horror hit even harder when it comes. It’s this balance that makes the film feel fresh and distinctly Thai in its approach to horror.
If you’re looking for a horror film that offers more than just scares— something clever, emotional, and deeply entertaining— this one’s definitely for you.
All images courtesy of Ayala Malls Cinemas
We would like to thank Ayala Malls Cinemas for inviting us to the advance screening night!
