Panor (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Directed by Putipong Saisikaew and featuring stars like Cherprang Areekul and Chalita Suansane, Panor serves as a haunting origin story within Thailand’s cult-horror franchise “Long Khong.” Unlike conventional horror tales, it leans more into black magic folklore than jump-scare horror, mixing visceral imagery with tragic mythos.
The story follows Panor, a young woman born during an ancient village ritual and cursed by the society around her. Branded as a bringer of doom, Panor’s life spirals through trauma, mysticism, and vengeance—rendering her a vessel of deep-rooted pain and supernatural unrest.
The Themes and Storyline Behind Panor
While the film attempts to explore the emotional depth behind Panor’s torment, the execution occasionally falters under ambitious scripting. There’s a blend of coming-of-age tragedy, folklore, and horror—with symbolic gestures that reflect societal mistreatment of misunderstood individuals, especially women in conservative settings.
The emotional highlights include the complex relationship with her mother, which layers guilt and remorse under societal pressures. Yet, the film also drifts into melodramatic territory with inconsistent pacing and overly theatrical dialogue.
Still, Panor manages to shine when it reflects the dark undercurrents of belief systems and spiritual betrayal. It’s not just a horror film; it’s a character study rooted in supernatural sadness.
Performance and Acting Analysis
Cherprang Areekul delivers a surprisingly grounded and passionate performance. Despite some hiccups in delivery, her portrayal of Panor is convincing enough to carry the film’s emotional weight. Her expressions and transformation from misunderstood girl to vengeance-seeking force are a true highlight.
Jackrin Kungwankiatichai and Chalita Suansane offer solid performances, although their characters lack deeper exploration. Some side characters feel underdeveloped, existing more as symbolic plot tools than meaningful roles.
Visual Aesthetics and Cinematography
Panor features some striking visual elements—particularly in color grading, symbolic transitions, and ritual-based horror sequences. One particularly memorable (and grotesque) scene involves a gecko crawling out of an eye socket, which perfectly encapsulates the film’s grotesque visual tone.
However, CGI inconsistency becomes a distraction at times. Certain scenes lack visual grounding, pulling audiences out of the immersive folklore that earlier scenes carefully build.
Horror Elements and Sound Design
While Panor is not your average scare-fest, it does incorporate disturbing, ritualistic horror, favoring shock over subtlety. Sound design plays a crucial role—whether it’s the pounding heartbeats, ritualistic chants, or dramatic string compositions.
Unfortunately, ADR (automated dialogue replacement) issues plague several sequences. The audio occasionally sounds mismatched, especially in emotionally charged scenes. This technical flaw undermines what could have been more powerful moments.
Story Weaknesses and Structural Critiques
Some audience members felt that Panor attempted to retroactively justify her future villainous arc (seen in earlier films), which leads to a clash in character tone. There’s an evident disconnection between the younger Panor and the adult version depicted in previous franchise entries.
Key criticisms include:
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Cringe-worthy dialogue like “If you want me to be a demon, then I shall be one!”
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Underwhelming reveal of the main villain
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Pacing issues in the second act
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Cult twist felt too “quiet” for the buildup it promised
Comparisons with Other Southeast Asian Horror Films
When juxtaposed with horror classics like Mystics in Bali or Witch with Flying Head, Panor feels restrained. It lacks the relentless madness or cultural specificity that made those films unforgettable.
Instead, Panor leans into universal horror tropes, which, while accessible, dilute the cultural richness audiences might expect from a Thai black magic horror film.
Cultural Relevance and Symbolism
The film’s foundation in Thai black magic, socio-spiritual ostracization, and cult influence mirrors real anxieties in Southeast Asian communities. It indirectly critiques how fear and superstition become weapons against women—especially those who don’t conform.
Panor, in essence, is not a villain but a victim of societal trauma and ritual abuse, and her violent outbursts are desperate attempts to reclaim agency.
Where to Watch Panor Online (When Available)
As of May 2025, Panor is not available for online streaming in the U.S. However, based on market trends and film distribution strategies for Thai horror:
Predicted Streaming Platforms:
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Shudder (specialized in horror)
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Netflix US (diversifying international horror content)
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Amazon Prime Video (known for Thai titles in niche categories)
It may also become available via rental or purchase on:
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Apple TV
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Google Play Movies
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Vudu
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YouTube Movies
Keep an eye on JustWatch Panor Page for real-time updates.
FAQs About Panor (2025)
Is Panor available on Netflix or Hulu?
No, it’s not currently available on either platform as of May 2025.
Will Panor be released on physical media (DVD/Blu-ray)?
There’s no official announcement yet, but if the streaming rights delay continues, expect a DVD release by late 2025.
Is it necessary to watch previous Long Khong movies?
No, but doing so will deepen your understanding of Panor’s adult character arc and context.
Is Panor more drama or horror?
Panor leans more toward dark supernatural drama than straight-up horror, with strong cult elements and tragic storytelling.
What makes Panor different from other Thai horror films?
It offers a unique origin story with a female lead and explores social issues through the lens of mysticism, though it occasionally misses the emotional mark.
Who is the standout actor in Panor?
Cherprang Areekul as Panor delivers the most emotionally complex performance in the film.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Panor?
Panor is a fascinating, if uneven, origin story. It’s bold in theme but occasionally falls victim to clumsy execution and inconsistent tone. For fans of Southeast Asian folklore and cult horror, it still offers an immersive experience with memorable visuals and moments of emotional resonance.
However, if you’re expecting a tightly wound horror thriller, you might be left wanting more. Still, Panor deserves credit for diving into unspoken traumas and bringing taboo subjects to the screen in a haunting, if flawed, cinematic tale.
Interested in exploring more Thai horror gems or keeping tabs on Panor‘s streaming availability?
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