Human Resource  (R21)

Starring Prapamonton Eiamchan, Paopetch Charoensook, Pimmada Chaisaksoen, Chanakan Rattana-udom

Directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit

A pregnant Thai woman wonders if she should give birth.

Actually, nothing much happens in this movie.

Not in the usual dramatic, action-based or horror sense. The opening shot — an ultrasound photo of a foetus — stays frozen for so long I thought the projector got stuck.

Things seem normal here. Outwardly, that is. Inwardly, it’s another story.

This flick, written and directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit about our reproductive future under threat by relentless bad news and pressure, looks like a fictional real-life documentary exposing economic, social and personal disillusionment.

It’s billed as “A drama that explores contemporary human life amid a global decline in birth rates”. Shown via the distant face and hidden worries of an introspective woman caught in unsmiling, un-sunny Bangkok’s rat race.

We’re talking Singapore-level TFR matters. She’s contemplating abortion.