Songkran
2020 · 27m · Thailand
Directed by Bank Tangjaitrong
Tones: contemplative, melancholic, tender
A disenchanted coffee machine salesman falls for the owner of a boutique cafe over a two-day business trip in Bangkok, Thailand. Their fleeting connection unfolds against the backdrop of the Songkran festival, asking whether a magical night can leave a lasting imprint.
Picked by Zoe
The scouts
Everyone's waiting for the meet-cute to detonate into grand romance, and Tangjaitrong just... doesn't let it—which is either gutsy or maddening depending on your tolerance for films that refuse the expected beat.
There's a restraint here that echoes the romantic cinema of Wong Kar-wai without genuflecting to it; the film understands that Songkran's sensory abundance works best as counterpoint to emotional restraint.
The decision to let the camera linger on small gestures—a glance held a beat too long, the careful placement of a coffee cup—transforms what could be forgettable into something that quietly aches.
Reviews
Rich and romantic in feeling and sensibility, the film captures the magic of connection — but is wise enough not to overplay its hand and isn't afraid to reveal that a magical night doesn't always lead to a happily-ever-after.
Nice little meet cute short with an unexpected ending — the acting and setting make this a fun short to watch.