SPIRIT POSSESSION IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTEMPORARY CINEMA: AN ANALYSIS OF BELIEFS, RITUALS, AND SOCIAL REFLECTIONS IN THE THAI FILM “THE MEDIUM”

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) Analyze the representation of beliefs and rituals in the film The Medium (2021), and 2) Examine the reflections of contemporary Thai society through such beliefs and rituals. This qualitative study employs a content analysis approach, grounded in Narrative Theory, Semiology, Ritual Theory, and Folklore Studies, and the research findings are presented through a descriptive analysis. The results reveal that The Medium employs narrative strategies such as found footage and mockumentary to enhance realism, together with cultural symbols such as ritual offerings, spirit shrines, white costumes, and the bodily and vocal expressions of possession, which act as “cultural codes” that convey faith, fear, and the vulnerability of rural Thai communities. They also reflect a syncretic belief structure blending Buddhism, animism, and occult practices that continues to shape social life and function as a mechanism of authority. At the same time, the film highlights tensions between traditional faith and science, generational divides, and socio-economic pressures in contemporary society. The failure of rituals to save the character Mink further reveals the limitations of the belief system and acts as a cultural code that exposes the fragility and negotiation of faith. In conclusion, The Medium is not merely a horror film for entertainment but represents the dynamic interplay of beliefs and rituals that persist and adapt to modern transformations. It serves as a “Cultural Space” that reflects, critiques, and reproduces belief systems within modernity and the digital era, while offering new perspectives for folklore and cultural studies.