Coalesce (2020) [บรรยายไทย]

The yearning for something better unites the three central characters. Songsa (Songsa Sek) is a mild-mannered teenager who barely utters a word. He is at the mercy of his family’s demands. Thy (Rithy Rom) has just celebrated his 20th birthday and wants to buy an expensive motorcyle. Phearum (Phearum Eang) is 24 and married to a schoolteacher. They have a bunch of kids. He drives a taxi but wants to sell cars to the growing Chinese population drawn to Cambodia by the investment opportunities.




 

Their stories unfold in isolation before a connection is established in the closing stages. All three men are trying to find a voice and a means of achieving what they want. Songsa goes to work for his father, selling clothes in the city. Thy becomes a host in a gay bar, where he is encouraged to make customers feel welcome. “Old guys drinking alone give good tips,” advises a fellow host. Phearum’s customers reflect the invasion of Cambodia by tourists and big business.