Xian Lim graced the well-attended red carpet premiere of Kuman Thong on Monday night at SM Cinemas in North Edsa, Quezon City. He walked the red carpet, albeit hurriedly, hand in hand with his girlfriend Iris Lee.
The couple, who made their relationship public after Xian’s breakup with actress Kim Chiu, promoted the film which screens today nationwide.
From Viva Films and Viva Studio, Kuman Thong was a film the couple co-wrote together, was directed by Xian, with Iris serving as associate producer.
The Thai-Filipino production stars Cindy Miranda, alongside child actors Althea Ruedas and Emman Esquivel, and Thai celebrities Max Nattapol and Jariya Therakaosal.
Kuman Thong marks Xian’s first full-length horror film as a director, following his directorial debut at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2019 with Tabon. Last year, he directed the comedy film Hello, Universe! starring Janno Gibbs and Benjie Paras.
Kuman Thong is based on a Thai occult tradition where a figurine housing a child’s spirit brings luck if revered properly, and harm if neglected.
The story follows Clara (Cindy), who travels to Thailand with her daughter Katie (Althea) to seek the blessing of Namfon (Jariya), her fiancé Sai Chon’s (Max) mother. Namfon opposes her son migrating to the Philippines, believing Clara isn’t ready, especially since she’s grieving over her late son Isaac (Emman), whose ashes she carries in an urn.
Clara’s visit leads her to a shaman who uses Isaac’s ashes in a ritual and gives her a Kuman Thong, promising it can bring Isaac back if cared for. Despite Namfon’s disapproval, Clara keeps the Kuman Thong, hoping for Isaac’s return.
After Clara makes offerings, eerie occurrences disrupt their peaceful home. Clara starts sensing Isaac’s presence, though his supposed return endangers the family. Sinister secrets unravel as other spirits pose threats, altering their lives forever.