After her mother’s death, Soriya was surprised to learn she had an aunt back in Phenom Penh. As it happens, her editor just challenged her to explore her cultural roots for her debut manga. Daichi also happens to be between gigs, so off to Cambodia they go. There was even a vacancy in Aunt Mao’s building. However, Jam, their Chatty Cathy cabbie, is alarmingly alarmed to see where they will be staying.
Soriya is delighted to connect with her extended family, especially Mao’s daughter Nimul. Daichi isn’t crazy about her food, but surely that’s a cultural thing, right? Still, even Soriya must admit her zombie-like great aunt moldering in the backroom is deeply unsettling.
Frankly, Soriya’s long lost relatives are a little too welcoming, like the neighbors in Rosemary’s Baby, which looks an obvious influence on Neth and Chea. However, it is interesting to see it executed in a style that also pays tribute to J-horror. Regardless, the third act is quite a wild funhouse ride. Some fans might be frustrated with the quietly measured start, but the deliberate, slow building atmosphere pays dividends over time.
Even though it is submitted for Oscar consideration, Tenement truly has no chance whatsoever of a nomination. For fans, that is a good thing, because it is an honest to gosh horror movie. Verypossibly, if it had been released in America in the late-1990’s, it could very well have a reputation similar to the original Grudge and Ringu films. Honestly, it is as least as good as many of the sequels and reboots those franchises spawned. Recommended for its old school creepiness, Tenement releases tomorrow (10/24) on VOD.
