Glossy Thai Series ‘Master of the House’ Takes Netflix Global Chart Lead as It Portrays ‘Privilege’ and ‘Oppression’

As a long-time fan of Thai dramas, I must say that “Master of the House” is a breath of fresh air. Having grown up in a culture where hierarchy and tradition play significant roles, this series resonates deeply with my own experiences. The way it portrays the stark contrast between the wealthy and the less fortunate, as well as the ruthless pursuit of power, feels strikingly familiar.

For the very first time, a Thai-made show, “Master of the House” – a captivating murder-mystery series, has claimed the number one position on Netflix‘s weekly Global Non-English Series rankings. I can’t help but feel immensely proud and excited about this groundbreaking achievement!

The streamer announced that during its second week, the seven-part series topped the Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) chart for the week of July 22nd to 28th. Moreover, it made an appearance in the top ten lists of a total of 63 countries and territories worldwide.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I find myself captivated by this series that revolves around a lavish diamond tycoon who, in a grandiose fashion, drops a bombshell at his birthday feast – he’s married one of the maids, and she’s set to inherit his colossal fortune. The ensuing drama unfolds as his sudden demise from a balcony fall triggers a bitter power struggle between his new spouse and his dismayed kin.

Thailand is a traditionally conservative nation that values hierarchy, and the filmmakers aimed to reflect and intensify this social structure in their work.

Based on a screenplay by Nut Nualpang, Weerasu Worrapot, Vatanyu Ingkavivat, Sita Likitvanichkul, Athimes Arunrojangkul, and veteran director Sivaroj Kongsakul, the style of Thai soap operas was modernized and elevated. The resulting show offers a sleek depiction of ambition, ruthlessness, and power struggles that can ruin relationships.

To underscore the immense scale of affluence and the inconsequence of those who work within it, the Kantana Motion Pictures crew aimed to find a mansion situated on a lofty terrain, one where the opulence of the surroundings dwarfed the people inside. Kongsakul commented that even a servant strolling through such a space evokes a feeling of oppression. It’s as if it were a painting in which those less fortunate could never envision themselves as part of the scene.

In the movie, servant-related scenes are brightly lit by daylight, while those involving staff and employers are frequently highlighted with artificial lighting like spotlights. The director stated that this either “highlights the servants beautifully” or “illuminates them so intensely that their individuality becomes blurred.”

As a seasoned film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the cast of this upcoming movie truly stands out. With Narilya Gulmongkolpech leading the pack, I am confident that we are in for a treat. Having followed her career since her breakout role in “Love of Siam,” I have seen her grow as an actress and I am eager to see what she brings to this project.

Kongsakul stated that each actor carefully developed their characters, investing deeply from their emotions into their performances. This freedom, along with open dialogue and teamwork, enabled them to achieve their peak abilities, ultimately leading to incredibly genuine performances.

Netflix has previously found success with various Thai series such as “Hunger”, “Delete” and “Ready, Set, Love”.

2024-07-31 06:16

Glossy Thai Series ‘Master of the House’ Takes Netflix Global Chart Lead as It Portrays ‘Privilege’ and ‘Oppression’

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