The Isthmus

The Isthmus follows a mother and her eight-year-old daughter after the death of their Burmese maid, Gee. The daughter loses her mother tongue, prompting the mother, Da, to believe there is a spiritual connection between her child and Gee’s spirit. Their journey leads them to Ranong, a Thai-Burmese border town, where they seek out Gee’s only relative.

In Ranong, they encounter the lives of Burmese laborers, which deepens their understanding of their own experiences. The film explores how loss can create both a physical and emotional journey, revealing the complex bonds that transcend language and culture. The narrative invites viewers into a world of spiritual and psychological exploration, making it a thought-provoking piece in the drama genre.