The Red Envelope, 2025 - ★★★½
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
The Red Envelope is an adaptation of a Taiwanese film, Marry My Dead Body, into a Thai movie. While I am not sure of the specific differences between the two versions, I find this adaptation humorous and filled with heartfelt moments. The storyline, though deserving of more depth and nuance, successfully delivers delightful comedy.
Its charm primarily lies in the chemistry between the actors. The natural rapport between the leads, who have collaborated for over a decade, is undeniable. Their relationship translates effortlessly on screen, creating a genuinely adorable dynamic that enhances the comedic timing. Plus, the dog is incredibly cute!
The film, unfortunately, loses direction in the middle, with sections that drag and at times feel aimless. The pacing is uneven, and some jokes miss the mark. However, the strong beginning and conclusion redeem the film by tying together the storylines and characters. It successfully evokes heartfelt moments that left me unexpectedly emotional for a comedy.
I believe this movie could benefit from more dialogue and situations to emphasize its themes of LGBTQIA+ inclusive storytelling. Additionally, tighter editing and a more engaging sound and music score would enhance the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the film was incredibly enjoyable, and I had a great time watching it.