Night of the Killer Bears is a 2022 Thai horror film about a group of friends being murdered by a killer dressed in a teddy bear outfit. Also known as The World of Killing People
Directed by Kanphong Banjongphinij from a screenplay co-written with Sorawi Alapach and Lee Thongkham (The Lake). Produced by Lee Thongkham.
The Neramitnung Film-Thongkham Films co-production stars Sananthachat Thanapatpisal, Patchata Jan-Ngern, Khemanit Jamikorn, Chanagun Apurnsutinan, Tao Sattaphong Phiangphor, Panisara Rikulsurakan, Akalavut Mankalasut and Teerapong Liaorakwong.
Plot:
After not seeing each other for a long time, five friends living in Bangkok go on a vacation together, staying at a quiet resort isolated from the city. Things take a dark turn when it’s revealed each of them has hidden secrets. Unbeknownst to the group, there is someone observing them.
When one of them ends up brutally murdered, paranoia and distrust surround the group, motivating each remaining member to accuse each other of being the murderer or consider the possibility that the real murderer is the unseen presence observing them, and that they all are in deadly danger…
Reviews:
“The film is also very funny in parts, with some of the group trying to play off the severity of the situation; including one sequence where one of the teens is in danger but refuses to remove the joint from his mouth. Night of the Killer Bears feels like a throwback to the golden age of the slasher, and if you temper your expectations you will certainly have plenty of fun with it.” Bloody Flicks
“It finally recaptures the golden ratio that’s often missing these days, it’s violent, chaotic and slightly over the top in the best of ways. Yes, if you’re a horror devotee, you’ll know where this is headed immediately but it genuinely doesn’t affect how much you’ll enjoy it. There’s solid directorial work, a decent story and a great cast, all of which adds up to some easy, entertaining and bloody viewing.” 8/10, Film Carnage
“The only flaws that I can note were that the bears were not as threatening of a presence as I was expecting […] But, apart from that, there’s actually good fight choreography, good practical blood, great humor and timing, and just a zany ride into a world of killers (some of them who happen to be bears). As a first-time director, Banjongphinij pulled off something entertaining and fun.” Nightmarish Conjurings
” … they were able to blend CG and practical pretty seamlessly so I have zero complaints in that department. I just wish it all came together better than it did. I’m honestly on the fence about this one. There were aspects I liked but I just found it a bit difficult to get invested when everyone is a killer. It just felt like a highlight reel of kills interspersed with a dark backstory for each antagonist creating an odd flow to the way this was presented.” Punch Drunk Critics
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Release:
In Thailand, the film was released on September 1, 2022. In the UK and USA, Night of the Killer Bears was released on Digital, On-Demand (VOD) and DVD by 4Digital Media on April 18, 2023.
Cast and characters:
Sananthachat Thanapatpisal … Aim
Patchata Jan-Ngern … Win
Khemanit Jamikorn … Som
Tao Sattaphong Phiangphor … Note
Panisara Rikulsurakan … Nan
Akalavut Mankalasut … Chang
Chanagun Arpurnsutinan … Tony/The Pothead
Teerapong Liaorakwong … The Owner
Technical specs:
2 hours
Aspect ratio: 16:9 HD
