How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies ★★★★★

Released: 26 December 2024

Director: Pat Boonnitipat

Starring: Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul, Usha Seamkhum

The directorial debut of Thai filmmaker Pat Boonnitipat, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, was a box office hit upon its April release in Thailand. Its success only continued overseas, becoming the highest-grossing Thai film in several countries such as Indonesia, Australia and Singapore. Now, Boonnitipat’s crowdpleaser is finally hitting UK cinemas after being submitted as Thailand’s submission for Best International Feature in the 2025 Academy Awards.

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies stars Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul in his first feature film role as M, a school dropout who is desperate for money. Upon learning his grandmother Mengju (Usha “Taew” Seamkhum) is terminally ill, he becomes her caregiver to get a cut of her inheritance. However, he has to ‘compete’ against his family who are also hoping to get a payout.

At first glance, Boonnitipat’s comedy-drama plays a similar tune as Lulu Wang’s The Farewell: there is a young protagonist reconnecting with their grandmother, who has been diagnosed with stomach cancer – but their family wants to keep the diagnosis a secret. But rather than have the film become a growing web of awkwardness, it becomes a sweet tale that conveys the toil of getting older amid some mild family drama.

At the heart of How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is the beauty and chaos of family relationships, as Boonnitipat wonderfully incorporates the generational differences among the characters into the narrative. The younger characters mostly take the easy way to make money – lazy loser M has quit school to become a rich online game caster while his cousin Mui (Tontawan Tantivejakul) has inherited their late grandfather’s house after acting as his primary carer. In addition, M’s uncle Soei (Pongsatorn Jongwilas) is a debt-ridden gambling addict only visiting Menju for money, with his selfishness providing a stark contrast to M’s mother Sew (Sarinrat Thomas), uncle Kiang (Sanya Kunakorn) and even Menju herself, all of whom work tirelessly to support others. These contrasting outlooks on financial stability bring an eye-opening juxtaposition between both sets of characters, as well as highlight how they regard filial piety – the virtue of respecting and caring for one’s parents.

The virtue is patriarchal among East Asian cultures, where the head of the household rules the house, and it is eventually passed to the eldest son. As a result, Soei and Kiang are quietly arrogant with a reassurance that they will profit from their mother’s passing. Meanwhile, Sew makes a laboured effort to care for her mother, despite knowing that she essentially won’t inherit anything as the sole daughter. But Boonnitipat adds secondary elements that build complexities among the siblings such as Menju’s fraught relationship with her own older brother, and the expectations of children expected to care for their parents. The poignant narrative allows audiences to gain an insight into the expectations of Asian families and how to care for later generations, as well as the reality of the patriarchal customs to which that society has to adhere.

But Menju is a smart cookie – noticing the increased attention from her family, she quickly puts two and two together and realises that there is a reason besides duty behind their visits. Seamkhum balances weight and sensitivity in her performance – quite a feat for her first acting role at 78 years old. She also delivers a poignancy when Menju reflects on her growing loneliness – especially as her children only visit once a week (if ever) and friends fall ill – but is unafraid to put people in their place. In fact, it is this frankness that allows her to enlighten M on the rewards of hard work, even if it is learning how to boil water through a kettle. In return, M sees the struggles that his grandmother has to face, both physically and emotionally, as he has to watch his uncles (and occasionally his mother) regard Menju as a hindrance.

Thanks to Assaratanakul and Seamkhum’s heartfelt performances, the incredibly charming relationship between M and Menju sees them gradually break down their walls to see each other in a different light. M witnesses his grandmother’s physical toll from running her congee stand every morning while she appreciates someone being able to help her and teach her about modern technology. As they become each other’s cheerleader, the actors’ endearing chemistry delivers poignancy and resonance as two lonely souls who find company in the most unexpected place.

Boonyanuch Kraithong’s cinematography brings a natural look to Thailand while complimenting the film’s core relationship. Wide scenes of passing trains and chaotic food stalls, along with shots in rundown houses and suburban neighbourhoods, visually reinforce the narrative’s underlying issue of personal wealth and the tension it creates among family. Simultaneously, Boonnitipat directs each frame with care to bring a naturalism to the characters’ surroundings while ensuring his and Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn’s screenplay evokes joy and occasional laughter amid a relatable story.

As a result, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a crowd-pleasing hit that showcases a wonderful yet tear-jerking insight into family relationships. Along with the beautiful lead performances from Assaratanakul and Seamkhum – two actors making their film acting debut – this comedy-drama wears its heart on its sleeve and oozes charm through each frame.

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is in UK and Ireland cinemas 26 December from Vertigo Releasing