Director Tom Reveals Spicy Food Thriller Concept

Director Tom Wattanathep's latest film "Morte Cucina" has been creating buzz well before its theatrical release. The award-winning Thai filmmaker combines Thai culinary arts with an intense narrative, reuniting with world-class cinematographer Christopher Doyle and featuring an ensemble cast including Bella Buaeng, Kritsana Sripoomi, Peter Napatchai Chainam, and Tadanobu Asano.

On June 30, 2569, a premiere screening was held at Paragon Cineplex in Bangkok's Siam Paragon mall. Prior to the screening, director Tom and the cast shared insights into the film's creation.

When asked about the premiere experience, Tom expressed excitement: "I was excited. We forgot this day would come. Finally we get to show it to audiences. We thought we'd just have fun making it and call it done, but here we are. No matter how many films you make, you still get nervous. Experience doesn't really help."

Regarding international audience reception, Tom noted: "Mostly positive. The film debuted at the 73rd San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain, a place famous for its food culture and home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world. It fit perfectly with our film. After that, we screened in several countries—Japan and Taiwan both have strong food cultures—so audiences there really loved it. The response was quite good. The film came to Thailand later than hoped because there were so many Thai films competing for release slots. We had to pull some strings to get in," he said with a smile.

Regarding expectations for Thai audiences, Tom added: "I have expectations but won't say them to the media or people just laugh. The world has changed. This generation wants films that challenge them. But our films challenge audiences all the time. If we challenge someone and they can't handle it, but this generation can. Hopefully we'll do well with this one."

On incorporating Thai cuisine into the narrative, Tom explained: "Thai food isn't just inserted into the story—it's a main character. The film's idea originated from reading a news story about a woman who killed her husband through cooking. In that case, she used poison and got caught, making it big news. So we thought, how could someone kill their husband through food without getting caught? We consulted with several chefs. They said, 'How many years would you want him to die in?' Then they designed a menu."

When asked how the cast came together, Tom responded: "Like lightning striking mud—nice people just came together. Casting is always risky for me, either it works or it doesn't. I've never felt confident after casting someone. So I had to talk with each actor individually. Bella said she's very confident. Kritsana said the same because the script he read he could chew and absorb into himself. And Peter—no need to mention him—I'm confident in him. But he might not be confident in me," Tom smiled.