Asian horror was a staple inclusion in my viewing habits growing up, the likes of Dark Water, The Eye, Shutter and of course the infamous Ringu personal favourites. There’s something about scary films from this part of the world – grounded in reality with a haunting supernatural elements – that crawls under your skin and instils a sense of lingering fear. As it takes time to foster this kind of growing dread on screen, the short format hasn’t really been able to replicate this approach, that is, until Parkpoom Wongpoom’s Those That Follow.

A 23-minute Thai horror film shot entirely on an iPhone 13 Pro, the short follows a couple of young criminals, Bas and Thum, on the run in the countryside after a bodged robbery left an elderly lady in critical condition. Hidden away in a cabin in the woods (never a good idea in a horror film!), the pair venture into the local town hoping that the Phi Ta Khon festivities (a celebration where the residents don elaborate masks to welcome the spirits) will help conceal them. Deciding to use the tradition to their advantage, the pair find a couple of masks of their own – despite warnings not to take a particular one – and as expected (this is a horror film after all), things don’t go to plan.

Ramping up the tension the moment the mask goes on and Thum’s perspective changes from being present at the festival, to returning to the scene of the crime, Those That Follow employs ominous sound design and dark, unsettling photography to amplify the terror in its story. It’s an undeniably creepy watch, with the narrative and craft combining well to create an engaging and unnerving watch. It may be shot on an iPhone, but they really went all out on production, with crowds of extras, an explosion and even a giant monster all employed in bringing the story to life.

Opening with a slick sequence where we follow the film’s two young outlaws speeding on motorcycles through the countryside, with this section including that all important title that explains how the film was shot, it’s obvious from the get-go that one of the aims of the short was to showcase the capabilities of filming on such a mobile device. This doesn’t distract from the story though, with the camera initially speeding along next to the pair, getting so close to even allow a glimpse of money stuffed into a backpack, we soon cut to a couple of impressive drone shots rising high above the trees, it’s clear what they’re doing, but it’s still very effective. With a lot of the film shot in the dark, any doubts about the low-light capabilities of such a device are also quickly forgotten as the gloomy backgrounds are vital in the success of Those That Follow and the camera picks up all the freaky activity happening back there.

Of course, it’s hard to totally ignore that Parkpoom Wongpoom’s short is essentially part-advert for the iPhone, but we’ve seen enough of these films over these years to know that many don’t succeed when it comes to balancing this promotional aspect, with an engaging narrative. Those That Follow definitely manages both, it’s hard not to be impressed with how slick that production is, but ultimately, what’s most memorable here is the haunting narrative (and the devilish twist at the end). For me personally, it’s a welcome reminder of everything I love about Asian horror and for those new to that world…I hope you enjoyed your welcome session.