Movie Overview
By the Time It Gets Dark, released in 2016, is a groundbreaking Thai drama that challenges conventional storytelling by intertwining past and present. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anocha Suwichakornpong, the movie explores the lingering shadows of Thailand's 1976 Thammasat massacre through the eyes of a filmmaker interviewing a survivor. This unconventional narrative blurs the lines between history and memory, creating a poignant meditation on political trauma and the nature of truth. The film features a talented cast including Visra Vichit-Vadakan, Arak Amornsupasiri, and Achtara Suwan, who bring depth to characters that are loosely connected across time: a student activist from the 1970s, a waitress constantly changing jobs, and a contemporary film director. Suwichakornpong's direction, rooted in her Thai heritage and international production support from France, Qatar, and the Netherlands, crafts a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience. The film's themes of memory, violence, and artistic expression are handled with subtlety and nuance, earning it widespread critical acclaim. With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 73/100, By the Time It Gets Dark has garnered 10 wins and 14 nominations from festivals worldwide. This 105-minute drama, spoken in Thai, is a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema. Stream By the Time It Gets Dark on Netflix to experience this hauntingly beautiful exploration of history's echoes.
