Tropical Malady

Keng, a soldier, is assigned to a rural outpost in Thailand. His duty includes investigating mysterious cattle slaughters that have been troubling local farmers.

During his investigation, Keng meets Tong, a charming villager, in a picturesque landscape. This chance encounter soon becomes the beginning of a heartfelt connection between the two.

Keng starts to become a part of Tong's life, assisting him at an ice factory. Their collaboration not only builds a friendship but also brings them closer together in their shared experiences.

One night, while delivering ice, Keng and Tong discover a scruffy dog in distress. They rush it to the vet, only to learn the dog has cancer, prompting Tong to selflessly choose chemotherapy for it.

The two friends decide to escape their troubles by watching a film together. This night out offers them a magical respite, allowing them to bond further over their shared love for cinema.

Exploring a nearby cave, Keng and Tong meet an elderly woman who narrates a folklore story. This tale imparts a poignant lesson about greed, which resonates with both young men as they reflect on their own lives.

As time passes, Keng and Tong's friendship deepens into a romance characterized by playful motorcycle rides around the village. These joyful escapades capture the essence of their budding love.

During a magical evening together, Tong suddenly slips away, leaving Keng feeling confused and yearning for answers. This unexpected departure marks a turning point in Keng's emotional journey.

After Keng’s troop departs, rumors surface about a supernatural entity causing chaos among livestock. This unsettling news heightens the tension in the village as fears of a spirit plague the community.

Keng embarks on a solitary mission to confront a terrifying spirit—a tiger shaman. He follows the shaman's footprints into the dark woods, feeling a mix of dread and determination as he prepares for their encounter.

In a tense moment, Keng faces the tiger shaman in human form. The confrontation escalates, culminating in Keng's defeat, which leaves him battered and grappling with uncertainty in the haunting silence of the forest.

Regaining consciousness, Keng is warned by a curious primate about the grave consequences of not defeating the shaman. This prophecy highlights the stakes of Keng's journey and his urgent need to confront the spirit.

As Keng navigates the eerie surroundings, he stumbles upon the lifeless body of a cow. To his surprise, the spirit of the cow rises and is drawn toward a glowing tree, hinting at a connection between life and the supernatural.

Keng's attempt to flee is thwarted by the relentless pursuit of the now-transformed tiger shaman. As he crawls through the rugged terrain, he faces the reality of his dire predicament and the collapsing boundaries between the mortal and spirit worlds.

Atop a towering tree, Keng finally encounters the tiger shaman again. In a moment of poignant understanding, Keng surrenders himself, revealing his willingness to sacrifice everything in this ethereal confrontation.