Tatler’s picks: 4 films for an emotional 30 April holiday

With its vibrant animation and thoughtful storytelling, Diplodocus invites audiences into a whimsical yet emotionally rich world—ideal for holiday-viewing with little ones in tow.

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In contrast to the cheerful mood of a family-friendly animated film, the Indonesian horror title Sorop (Oan linh nhap xac) offers a far weightier experience, steeped in eerie visuals and taut, unpredictable storytelling that holds its intensity right up to the closing scene. At its core lies a chilling reflection on the corrosive effects of greed, anger and resentment—threaded with familial tension that adds a disturbing emotional depth.

The story follows sisters Hanif and Isti as they return to their hometown after a decade away. The strange death of their uncle Khair quickly sets off a chain of unrelenting supernatural events. In the decaying ancestral home, they are tormented by apparitions that spit earth, animated corpses, mysterious afflictions and grotesque faces crawling with maggots. With their lives in peril, Hanif and Isti must unearth the house’s horrifying secrets in a desperate bid to survive. The 95-minute runtime moves with unrelenting momentum, a feat of tension sustained by director Upi Avianto’s masterful synchrony of sound and image—wrapping the entire film in an atmosphere as chilling as it is claustrophobic.

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More than a conventional horror tale, Sorop carries a potent message about karma, anchored in the familiar proverb, “you reap what you sow.” When human desires eclipse moral reason, destruction is never far behind. Rich with indigenous spiritual motifs and structured with tight, deliberate pacing, the film resonates with local audiences—and looks set to leave a lasting mark on fans of psychological and spiritual horror worldwide.

Making a return to Vietnamese cinema this year, Victor Vu once again captivates audiences with Detective Kien: The Headless Case. Following the acclaim of The Last Wife, the titular detective has become a beloved figure, inspiring Vu to expand on the Nguyen Dynasty investigator’s saga. The latest instalment builds upon its predecessor’s success, adding new layers of intrigue and emotional complexity to Kien’s world.

Blending detective fiction with the supernatural, the film whisks viewers 200 years into the past, into a village shrouded in mystery. A string of headless bodies begins to wash ashore, fuelling whispers of the “ghost skin”—a malevolent entity born of ancient folklore. As Kien delves into the mystery, he uncovers more than just clues; beneath the surface lies a tangle of secrets and fractured ties that belie the village’s serene façade. Adapted from Ho Oan Han by author Hong Thai, this feature also marks the 20th anniversary of Victor Vu’s cinematic journey—delivering a narrative that is as intense as it is unsettling.

Beyond its compelling narrative, the film captivates viewers through its meticulous and artful cinematography. Expansive wide shots highlight Vietnam’s natural grandeur—fields in bloom, cascading waterfalls, and mountain ranges rendered with majesty and grace. The colour palette is both lush and refined, elevating the emotional tone of the story while celebrating the beauty of the setting. Every frame is carefully considered, reflecting Victor Vu’s signature aesthetic sensibility and painstaking attention to detail.

Alongside its riveting story and stunning visuals, Detective Kien: The Headless Case is further enhanced by Phan Manh Quynh’s deeply emotional score. Seamlessly woven into each scene, the music adds resonance and weight to the unfolding drama—cementing the film’s place as a must-watch for those who appreciate Victor Vu’s masterful storytelling.

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Lat Mat 8: Vong Tay Nang forms the latest chapter in director Ly Hai’s acclaimed Lat Mat series, this time turning its lens on the clash between youthful ambition and parental caution. Set in Vietnam’s unforgiving Central region, the film follows a group of spirited young performers chasing their dreams of musical stardom—an ambition at odds with the fears of their traditional families, especially a stern father who worries that artistic pursuits might derail a future built on education and stability.

Rather than framing the generational divide in broad strokes, the film offers a layered exploration of familial expectations. One particularly moving moment sees a grandmother reflect, “In my time, there weren’t many choices, so why forbid it now?”—a line that opens a window into the hardships and sacrifices faced by older generations, allowing the younger ones to better appreciate the freedoms they now enjoy. Meanwhile, the trailer’s closing line, “Let’s stop at advice,” serves as a graceful reminder to respect the autonomy of youth, and their right to pursue lives shaped by passion and purpose.

Anchored by a seasoned cast—including Meritorious Artists Kim Phuong, Huu Chau and Tuyet Thu—alongside fresh talents like Doan The Vinh, Hong Thu and Tin Nguyen, Lat Mat 8: Vong Tay Nang delivers a moving, authentic portrayal of familial love and conflict. A standout addition to Ly Hai’s repertoire, the film promises to strike a chord with those drawn to heartfelt storytelling rooted in Vietnamese values.

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