For the first time in the history of a Thai-produced series, the crime and mystery series “Master of the House” has taken the top spot on Netflix's weekly list of global non-English series.
The streaming service said the seven-part series ranked No. 1 on its list of the top 10 non-English-language TV series worldwide in its second week of availability, from July 22 to 28. Additionally, the series appeared in the top 10 in 63 countries and regions.
The series revolves around a very wealthy diamond merchant who takes advantage of a birthday party to shock his family with the news that he is marrying one of his maids and that they will inherit his vast fortune. His subsequent death from a fall from a balcony leads to a round of internal fighting between his new wife and his frustrated relatives.
Thailand is a very conservative society with a clearly hierarchical culture, and the filmmakers sought to replicate and amplify this.
With a screenplay by Nut Nualpang, Wirasu Woraput, Vatanyo Engkavivat, Sita Likitvanichkul, and Athims Arunrojangkul, veteran director Sivaroj Kongsakul has adapted and developed the “lakorn” style of Thai TV series, to create a show that is a brilliant portrayal of greed, cruelty, and the destructive pursuit of power.
To emphasize the enormity of wealth and the insignificance of those who serve it, the production team at Kantana Motion Pictures sought to create a mansion set on a high landscape where the grandeur of the ocean overshadows the human figures within. “Even the simple act of a servant walking through space evokes a sense of oppression,” Kongsakul said. “It’s like a painting that the dispossessed can’t imagine themselves belonging to.”
Scenes depicting interactions between servants are bathed in natural light, while scenes between employees and employers are often lit by artificial sources, such as spotlights. The director said this either “celebrates the servants” or “spotlights them so hard that their identities begin to dissolve.”
The cast is led by Narillia Julmongkolpiach, Tirapong Liorakong, Chartayudum Hiranyasti, Thanavat Siriwattanaju, Nuspa Punakanta, and Claudia Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya. Supporting players include Tassawan Saeneewong, Narupornkamol Chaisang, and Thitinan Rattanathitinan.
“Each actor carefully crafted their character,” Kongsakul said. “They put their best foot forward in their roles. This freedom, combined with open communication and collaboration, allowed them to reach their full potential, resulting in an exceptionally authentic portrayal.”
Netflix has had previous success with other Thai productions including “Hunger,” “Delete” and “Ready, Set, Love.”
