A couple from America traveling in Thailand learns what they believe might be proof that their young son, who passed away during a tsunami six months prior, is still alive somewhere within the jungles of Myanmar (Burma). They give a significant sum of money to some questionable individuals to journey upriver into this restricted territory. From there, circumstances steadily deteriorate. A number of people dismiss "Vinyan" (2008) because it doesn’t adhere to conventional horror movie standards, but that's exactly what makes it valuable. It feels fresh and is a combination of unsettling, lovely, peculiar, and disturbing. The storyline isn’t complex, yet the narrative keeps you engaged. The performances are strong across the board, making the characters seem authentic. The five primary performers include Paul and Jeane Bellmer (played by Rufus Sewell and Emmanuelle Béart), a human trafficker called Thaksin Gao, Sonchaï, who captains the small boat, and Kim, the couple's contact, portrayed by Julie Dreyfus. There are numerous scenes that stick with you, such as Kim’s understated yet apparent attempts to seduce Paul, the gorgeous floating lanterns at the beach ceremony, and the impressive tree fortress. The film’s message is open to interpretation, but it raises questions about several themes: dealing with loss, whether through acceptance or clinging to the past, obsession, insanity, primal urges, and reverting to a wild state. Regarding the group of lost children appearing later in the story, are they 'vinyan'—troubled spirits who endured terrible deaths—or simply kids who have become feral in the jungle like those in "Lord of the Flies"? I think the evidence suggests it’s the latter. Regardless, “Vinyan” shares qualities with films such as “Apocalypse Now,” “The Emerald Forest,” “Fitzcaraldo” (also known as "Aguirre"), and the previously mentioned "Lord of the Flies.” The film has a running time of 1 hour, 36 minutes, and was filmed in Thailand. GRADE: B+

Source on TMDB