If you think Thai horror films are all about spine-chilling scares, School of Ghosts (2016) will change your mind by blending comedy with horror without restraint. The film follows a group of high school students who challenge each other to tell ghost stories in an abandoned old building. But what follows isn't just fear—because the jokes overshadow the horror until almost nothing remains.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
School of Ghosts opens with a boring orientation for new students, prompting a group of mischievous kids—Eh, Er, Den, Pop, and Don—to sneak off to an old building with creepy legends to compete in telling ghost stories. Their tales range from a ghost in the library that haunts students, a bullied girl who becomes a vengeful spirit, a beautiful teacher with a dark secret, to a janitor who sees ghosts with his dog. How are these stories connected, and what is the hidden truth? The film gradually reveals the mysteries without giving away too clear an ending.
Acting and Characters
Lead actor Ingkarat Damrongsakkul as Don portrays a rebellious kid with a soft heart convincingly, while Pongsak Pongsuwan plays a strict principal with hidden comedic touches. Petchtai Wongkamlao as Tony, the drunken janitor, delivers laughs as expected. However, some child actors' performances feel stiff and unnatural, especially in scenes requiring fear or shock, which come across as overdone.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Directed by Poj Arnon, who has previously made horror comedies, the film uses standard jump scares that rarely work due to predictable timing and music. Overall production quality is decent—the old building sets create a gloomy atmosphere—but special effects and CGI look outdated and unscary. The score tries to build tension but is often undermined by laughter from inserted jokes.
Editorial Analysis
School of Ghosts tries to do too many things at once—be a horror film, a comedy, and a social commentary—but fails in all aspects. The episodic storytelling lacks continuity and emotional engagement. Although it touches on issues like school bullying and forbidden love, these are presented superficially. Some jokes feel dated and clash with the film's atmosphere, leaving viewers confused whether to be scared or laugh. Sadly, the film ends up being 'not scary, not funny.'
Verdict
<p><strong>School of Ghosts</strong> is neither a good horror film for those seeking genuine scares nor a good comedy for those wanting laughs. It's a passable time-waster. If you're a fan of comedians like Petchtai Wongkamlao or Pong Pongsak, you might enjoy some jokes. But if you're hoping for a quality horror film, skip this one.</p>
👍 Pros
- +Famous comedians add color
- +Nighttime school atmosphere is well done
- +Some social issues are woven in
👎 Cons
- −Jokes overshadow the horror
- −Child actors' performances are unnatural
- −Special effects and CGI are outdated
- −Script lacks continuity
Top Cast
FAQ
Not really for serious horror fans, as too many jokes ruin the scares.
There are some jump scares, but they aren't very frightening due to interruptions by jokes.
It's suitable for those who like light horror comedies and don't mind a weak plot.
