Delusion Review: Blending crime, family drama and supernatural tension in one, Netflix’s Thai series Delusion follows Wan, who, after learning about her father’s ill health, rushes back home only to discover that he is being accused of being a murderer. Confused about how that happened, she starts to dig into their family past to hopefully prove him innocent, but stumbles upon shocking secrets that she never expected. Nothing feels certain after a while, and the series goes on a terrifying journey that ultimately leads to the truth and acceptance.
The 6-episode series (ภาพลวงตาย) stars Natapohn Phornprapha, Jespipat Tilapornputt, Surasak Chaiyaat, Tom Sirani Yankittikan, August Vachiravit Paisarnkulwong, Norraphat Nakadumrongchai, Boombim Samtone, and Suttawat Settakorn, and is directed by Chayan Laoyodtrakool.
Delusion Review
A Mystery Built on Uncertainty
Delusion isn’t just about understanding who committed the crime, but more so about understanding whether or not we can believe the truth when it’s presented to us. Throughout the runtime, Wan finds herself confronting one shocking revelation after another that shakes the very foundation of her beliefs. With mental health issues, superstitions and criminal investigations working alongside one another, the series balances all three aspects and discusses how one influences the other.
As a result, there are several possible explanations for one incident, and the mounting evidence doesn’t help. Trust becomes an important part of the runtime as well, as we are constantly forced to question who is trustworthy and who isn’t. Everyone seems to be wearing a mask that slips off the moment someone becomes an inconvinience.
The Supernatural Element Adds Another Layer
Set in a village, the series makes use of the superstitions that haunt the villagers to its fullest. Highlighting how something like this can halt investigations, delay justice and sometimes put the blame on the wrong people, the most interesting thing that the series does is showcase how some people are too willing to take advantage of people’s fear and ignorance. The villagers’ fear becomes a part of the story itself as it drives the investigation and sometimes even derails it. This makes the series tense and confusing; danger can come from something supernatural or much closer to home – we just have to wait till the end to find out.
Natapohn Phornprapha Gives the Story Its Emotional Core
At the centre of the tale is Wan, who is as utterly confused, devastated and terrified as we are. Fighting a terrible custody battle with her husband, juggling her different responsibilities becomes a big deal as time passes for her. Wan is the perfect protagonist as she wants to save her father while also trying to understand what is happening with her family. Phornprapha captures these complex emotions extremely well and highlights what it feels like to be caught in the middle of a battle that she did not ask for.
At its core, her character captures the difficulties of taking care of ageing parents who become difficult as time passes. Especially with diseases like dementia, which don’t have a cure, it’s more devastating to watch on-screen, on top of the rather terrifying turn of events. It’s an emotional watch that will be relatable to many.
The other supporting cast are fantastic as well, including Nu Surasak Chaiat, who is memorable as Narong. His performance truly leaves goosebumps throughout the runtime as a man who is slowly losing his grip on reality.
A Strong Blend of Mystery and Family Drama
Delusion strikes the right chord between a family drama and a mystery because its family drama involves Wan trying to protect her father, questioning whether he could’ve done something awful and understanding the ailment that is changing the man she once looked up to. This personal touch seperates the series from other similar mysteries and makes it all the more terrifying.
Final Verdict
Delusion hits all the right notes and leaves viewers disturbed by how the series progresses. While the supernatural mystery is interesting, it’s the family drama and the atmospheric tension that truly stays with you long after the runtime is over. This one’s a slow burn mystery with a lot of moving elements and is terrifying in a very realistic sense.
Thai series Delusion is streaming on Netflix right now. What are your thoughts on the series? Let us know in the comments below!
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