According to data released by Netflix, Thai mystery drama ‘Master of the House’ is reigning at the top spot on the Non-English TV List clocking 4.9M views. In just two weeks since its debut ‘Master of the House’ became the first Thai series to have achieved this feat.
The drama also appeared in the Top 10 across 63 countries worldwide, joining the ranks of acclaimed Thai productions such as ‘Hunger’, ‘DELETE’ and ‘Ready, Set, Love’.
A big credit for the show’s success goes to its award-winning director Sivaroj Kongsaku who uses evocative imagery and deep social commentary and prioritizes “cinematic language” for universal appeal. The series also explores social inequality, a theme that resonates across cultures.
Kongsaku says, “Master of the House doesn’t rely solely on dialogue; it weaves a tapestry of visuals, sound, and music that seamlessly intertwines with the characters, resulting in stunning aesthetics and a compelling narrative.”
‘Master of the House’ brought together an ensemble of rising stars and legendary Thai actors, fostering an environment where actors felt empowered to contribute ideas freely and that’s another factor that strengthened the show’s performance.
The power of location in ‘Master of the House’ cannot be denied either. A mansion that was perched on an elevated landscape surrounded by breathtaking vistas was deliberately chosen to emphasize the vastness of wealth and the insignificance of those who serve in it. This led to a setting where the grandeur of the surroundings overwhelms the human figures within it.
The subtle symbolisms used in ‘Master of the House’ should not be missed. The director discovered various “magic moments” during filming. One such detail was the English title’s abbreviation: MOTH. This aligned perfectly with the imagery of the moth, which naturally emerged in the screenwriting process and became a key motif.
In the series, the “moth” symbolizes the household servants, who exist under the dominion of the elite and are treated as playthings. The wealthy hold absolute power over these delicate creatures, captivated by their beauty but indifferent to their fragility.
Using an interplay of natural and artificial light Sivaroj enhance visual storytelling. Scenes featuring interactions among the servants are bathed in natural light, while scenes between the staff and their employers are often illuminated by artificial sources, such as spotlights.
If you haven’t seen ‘Master of the House’, this scandalous and intriguing story on Netflix is a must watch.
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