TIFF 2025 Exclusive: ‘Inherit’ Trailer Reveals Davika Hoorne

The highly anticipated first teaser trailer for Banjong Pisanthanakun’s new Thai horror epic, Inherit, has officially landed, igniting buzz ahead of its prestigious world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Helmed by the acclaimed director known for genre-defining works, and starring the celebrated Davika Hoorne, the film is poised to be a significant highlight of this year’s international film festival circuit, offering a chilling glimpse into a narrative steeped in ancient curses and family secrets.

Toronto International Film Festival Spotlight: Inherit‘s Chilling Narrative and Star Power

Set to debut in TIFF’s esteemed Centrepiece section, Inherit marks a triumphant return to horror for Banjong Pisanthanakun, a master storyteller behind Thai blockbusters like Pee Mak, Shutter, and the critically lauded The Medium. The film reteams Banjong with superstar Davika Hoorne, whose compelling performance in his 2013 horror-comedy-romance Pee Mak contributed to its status as Thailand’s highest-grossing film of all time. Hoorne, recognized internationally for her role in the Cannes Critics’ Week Grand Prize winner A Useful Ghost, portrays Woranart, a character who resurfaces seemingly untouched by time, appearing as young and beautiful as she did five decades prior.

However, Woranart’s miraculous return is not for a heartwarming family reunion. Instead, she arrives as the unwitting host of an ancient centipede spirit, its malevolent intent focused on transferring its sinister curse to her unsuspecting 18-year-old granddaughter, Oui, played by Baipor Thitiya Jirapornsilp. This generational struggle against a supernatural entity forms the terrifying core of Inherit. The ensemble cast further boasts industry veterans Sinjai Plengpanich, Trin Settachoke, and Warattaya Nilkuha, promising a powerful dramatic foundation for the supernatural horrors to unfold. The screenplay, penned by Banjong himself alongside Thamsatid Charoenrittichai and Chantavit Dhanasevi, draws its compelling narrative from the seminal 1991 Thai horror novel Tayard Asoon, which has captivated readers for decades through numerous reprints and television adaptations. Inherit, notably, marks the property’s inaugural cinematic interpretation, bringing a beloved yet terrifying tale to the big screen for the very first time.

Global Ambitions: Inherit‘s Strategic Sales and Distribution Deal

The anticipation surrounding Inherit extends beyond its compelling storyline and celebrated creators, reaching into its strategic global market positioning. South Korean powerhouse Barunson E&A, globally renowned for producing the Oscar-winning phenomenon Parasite, is spearheading the film’s non-Asia international sales. This encompasses crucial territories such as North America, Europe, the Middle East, and even inflight entertainment rights. This collaboration marks a significant first for Barunson E&A, not only in representing a film by the prolific Banjong Pisanthanakun but also in partnering with GDH559, Thailand’s leading film studio.

GDH559, a name synonymous with major Thai box office successes including How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies and Human Resource, is overseeing the film’s Asia sales. This synergy between two of Asia’s most influential film entities — Barunson E&A’s proven international sales acumen and GDH559’s deep understanding of the Asian market — positions Inherit for an exceptionally broad reach. The film is also co-produced by Tofu Films, known for titles like The Red Envelope, further solidifying its robust production backing. Such a high-profile sales alliance at a leading film festival like TIFF is a strong indicator of the film’s international commercial potential, promising a flurry of acquisition discussions among distributors worldwide.

Industry Context: Thai Cinema’s Ascendance and Independent Film Prospects at TIFF

The strong international push for Inherit at the Toronto International Film Festival reflects a broader, exciting trend within the global film industry: the increasing prominence and marketability of Asian genre cinema, particularly from Thailand. A prestigious world premiere at TIFF’s Centrepiece section provides an unparalleled platform for an independent film of this caliber to garner critical acclaim and attract significant acquisition interest. For Thai cinema, this collaboration between top-tier creative talent and powerhouse sales agencies like Barunson E&A and GDH559 represents a strategic move to elevate its global footprint. A successful distribution deal for Inherit could pave the way for more Thai productions to secure robust international releases, demonstrating the immense artistic and commercial value of diverse storytelling. The film’s presence at such a major film festival underscores a growing appetite among international audiences and buyers for authentic, high-quality genre content from non-Hollywood markets, reinforcing the vital role of festivals in bridging cultural gaps and fostering global film appreciation.

Following its much-anticipated debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, Inherit is slated for its theatrical release in Thailand on November 19. Film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike will be keenly watching for further news regarding its international distribution deal, as well as its reception from critics and audiences after its premiere. The film’s journey from a beloved novel to a major film festival premiere marks an exciting chapter for Thai horror and promises a compelling cinematic experience to come.