Thai Horror Film 'Khun Yay Woranat' Debuts at Toronto Festival
Thai horror film 'Khun Yay Woranat' premiered at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, where tickets sold out in under a minute and it received widespread acclaim. Starring Mai Davika Horne and directed by Thong Buncong Pisuthanakon, the film is based on the classic novel 'The Devil's Heir' and will later screen at festivals in London, Sitges, and Busan before opening in Thailand on November 19.
Thong Buncong Pisuthanakon and Mai Davika Horne walked the red carpet together to launch 'Khun Yay Woranat,' drawing intense attention from international media as cameras flashed. The film’s world premiere tickets sold out in under a minute, and after screening it received thunderous praise from critics, horror fans, and audiences, with international outlets calling it 'the scariest film at TIFF right now,' 'a meticulously crafted and entertaining horror movie,' and praising Mai Davika Horne’s performance as 'excellent and mesmerizing.' Reviewers highlighted its strong visual style and the chilling reimagining of the legendary centipede‑washing ritual, noting it ranks among the most frightening Asian horror films of today. Following its Toronto debut, 'Khun Yay Woranat' is set to travel to the BFI London Film Festival 2026 in the UK, the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia 2026 in Spain, and the Busan International Film Festival 2026 in South Korea. The film is scheduled to open in Thai theaters on November 19.