Master of the House

"Master of the House" (2024) is a film about a power struggle within a wealthy family.  Similar in many ways to series that you may have seen.  It is not superior to other ones, but it does have at least two differences.  First it is set in Thailand, which most of us might not realize has a well entrenched upper class.  And secondly it is told from the viewpoint of a maid.

A maid, Naimook is married to the head of the family, Roongroj.  She is of course resented by the family.  That same evening Roongroj dies from an apparent accident.  Of course you know it was really a murder.  The death and consequent will result in the younger son, Mavin gaining control and he almost immediately demotes his brother Phupat with further cuts coming..

Time for a character discussion.  The family's wealth is based on jewelry and they are filthy rich.  Their wealth has caused them to be arrogant and selfish.  In particular the second son is especially cruel and enjoys other people suffering.  His wife is also vicious in humiliating others, particular Naimook.  We learn over the course of the series more of the bitter rivalry between the two brothers.  At one point the father, Roongroj explains he set his two sons to compete each other to prepare them to take over his business.

The servants are continuously humiliated, but are mindful they have no viable alternative.  Over the years my perception that the poorer Thais are desperate increased.  The inequality becomes evident with the lifestyle which includes polo matches and yacht parties.  The fact that the family can afford to have well over 20 servants and demand instant obedience is another example of their wealth.  

The power struggle has a few twists including a murder (or more) along the way and at the final episode using flashbacks they explain what happened behind the scenes.  The presentation is well done.

For me it was a totally new cast and crew although I have seen a few other Thai films.  For the record here are some of the contributors.

The creator, writer and executive producer was Kulp Kaljareuk.  He has 4 credits as a producer and 4 as a director.  

 Sivoroj Kongsakul was the director.  He has 9 credits as a director, 3 as a writer and 3 as an editor.

Pramett Chankrusse was the cinematographer.  He has 36 cinematography credits.

 Narily Gulmongkolpech played Kaimook.  She was a member of the girl band Gelato.  She has 16 acting credits.

Teerapong Leowrakwong played Roongroj, the head of the family.   He was mainly a fashion photographer.  This film is his only acting credit.

Charttayodom Hiranyasthti played Phupat, the older brother.   He has 21 acting credits.

Thanavate Sirwattanagul plays Mavin, the younger brother and someone you will come to hate.  He has 11 acting credits.

Nusha Punnakanta plays Padcha, the wife of Phu and comparatively almost likeable.  She has 13 acting credits.

Claudia Chakrabandhu Na Ayudya plays Araya, the wife of Mavin and almost as dislikeable as her husband.  Her father was an Italian musician.  She had done commercials and been a fashion model.  She has 8 acting credits.

Thailand was never conquered by Europeans, but has mostly been ruled by monarchs.  Now they have an elected assembly with a monarchy.  They have a film industry which offers films for the masses and a few for an international audience.  "Master of the House" is available on Netflix in either subtitled or dubbed format.