On May 9, 2025, audiences in Japan will experience the chilling Taiwanese horror film "Gala," known for causing some viewers to vomit during screenings back home. This unsettling movie, directed by Tseng Ta-heng, marks his first foray as the director of a feature-length horror film, transitioning from his prior work predominantly focused on TV dramas.
Set against the backdrop of eerie incidents associated with live streaming, "Gala" unravels the disturbing saga of Ashu, whose mother, Mavis, is also a live-streamer. Seeking to explore the mysterious events surrounding their visit to a dilapidated villa, Ashu and his friends stumble upon much more than they bargained for. The villa, rumored to have been tied to horrific cult rituals, becomes the centerpiece of their harrowing investigation following unexplained deaths among the streaming staff.
The film's disturbing title, "Gala," translates to the sound of grinding teeth—a fitting representation of the cinematic horrors it presents. Upon its initial release in Taiwan, the film topped the box office charts during its first week and secured its place among the year's top ten films, showcasing its gripping narrative and frightening imagery.
Striking visuals from the film depict grotesque images—faces obscured by dental remains and hair, crafted by the special makeup artist renowned for their work on the award-winning film "The Rope Curse." Such visuals are complemented by unnerving sound effects, enhancing the specter of dread. The Japanese promotional materials, released to add excitement to the film's upcoming premiere, reveal even more chilling content, including teaser trailers featuring haunting audio cues such as "If you hear it, it's too late," directing intensifying anticipation among horror enthusiasts.
Director Tseng Ta-heng expressed his enthusiasm for the film's international release, stating, "Hello everyone! I am Tseng Ta-heng, the director. Our movie 'GALA' will be released on May 9. Please experience this terrifying rollercoaster of fear at the theater!" His direct involvement with the horror genre promises to bring forth captivating scares, making this film compelling not just for its story but for the experience it seeks to provide.
The main cast of "Gala" features Lee Ying-hsuan, known for her role on the Netflix original series "The Victims' Game" Season 2, alongside Mavis, who also plays the same role as her real-life persona. The film promises to deliver intense performances, hitting multiple emotional notes as viewers are taken through Ashu's confrontations with both supernatural elements and grotesque scenarios.
This tale doesn't merely seek to frighten; it aims to elicit deep-seated fears through compelling narratives and signature horror themes. With chilling audio effects, the film's soundtrack melds with the disturbing visuals to create moments of pure dread—inducing physical reactions from the audience, much like those reported during its Taiwanese screenings.
Accusations emerged concerning the intensity of fear induced by the film, with some viewers suffering from nausea: "We've seen many walk out of the theater unable to finish the film," remarked one critic from Taiwan.
Industry insiders are particularly buzzing about the visual aesthetic produced by the makeup artist. Having garnered the Golden Horse Award for Best Art Design, they have successfully crafted nightmarish imagery intended to evoke collective discomfort. The melding of sound and sight promises to keep viewers on edge from start to finish. The artistic choice to highlight teeth and hair as focal points invokes the fear of the grotesque—an element feared by many.
Integral to the plot are the layers of secrets surrounding the villa, hinting at dark histories entwined with commentary on the world of live streaming and social media cultures. The premise challenges not only the fragility of physical safety within horror conventions but the emotional safety of vulnerable lives exploited online.
Although "Gala" emerged from Taiwan’s rich tradition of storytelling, it resonates globally, addressing themes prevalent within social media and live streaming dynamics—laying bare the horrors lurking beneath glossy facades. The film highlights not just external threats but reflects on human relationships, trust, and history, leading to unexpected developments.
Overall, "Gala" is positioned as one of the most anticipated horror film releases of 2025, and its upcoming Japanese premiere stands to solidify Tseng Ta-heng's reputation as he ventures beyond traditional genres. The film opens avenues for discussions about horror, societal fears, and the modern impacts of technology on personal narratives, ensuring it remains relevant well after its release.
“Gala” invites audiences to explore the uncharted, packing thrills, chills, and moral questions, shaping it as not just another movie, but as part of the broader cultural dialogue surrounding horror and the voyeuristic nature of society.