The film Cai Ma exploits burial customs - a long-standing belief of the Vietnamese people, associated with the belief in the connection between the living and the deceased. Producer Emily Le said that the crew wanted to touch that spiritual space not only to create a creepy feeling but also to reflect memories and emotions that have been deeply imprinted in Vietnamese culture for many generations.
The main setting of the film is set in Phu Yen - a familiar land through the lens of tourism, but now appears as both poetic and mysterious. To respect the local elements, the film crew kept worship rituals, limiting disruption to local life. Two important locations including the ancestral house and the Do family cemetery were meticulously restored to both be cinematic and maintain cultural authenticity.
Unlike many other horror films, Cai Ma does not focus on one central character but revolves around a large family. The filming sets are associated with the unique colors and personalities of each character. Avin Lu, Rima Thanh Vy and Lam Thanh Nha are the main faces, alongside actors of many generations such as Kieu Trinh, Hoang Phuc, Hoang Meo...
The crew used many local materials to build a creepy atmosphere: from music, costumes, folk symbols to traditional musical instruments. Avin Lu and Rima Thanh Vy even learned to play the goong nail instrument to get into character. We are not making documentaries, but still want to tell the story on a real cultural platform, emphasized director Thang Vu.
The film revolves around the Do family. After a series of disasters, Ms. Tu Chanh (Kieu Trinh) called her brothers to return to their hometown to bury their ancestors' graves. However, from the moment the first hook touched the ground, the hidden secrets gradually arose, dragging the whole family into a terrifying whirlwind.
The film "Cai Ma" initially announced that Thien An will play an important role. However, after she was involved in a noisy lawsuit with Jack, many viewers argued, causing the film crew to fight. Currently, the producer has not announced whether the actress will continue to act in "Cai Ma" or have her role cut.
