Ba (2024) Review: Admirable and Personal!

Few films manage to weave personal pain and fantastical horror into something as visually striking as “Ba.” Directed by Benjamin Wong, this dark fantasy drama delves into the terrifying and tender dimensions of fatherhood through an allegorical lens. It’s a film that operates on multiple levels—mythic, emotional, and social—while centering on the complex relationship between a father and daughter. Beneath its supernatural premise lies a timely exploration of identity, sacrifice, and the unseen burdens carried by Asian American families.

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The story of the film follows Daniel Li, a single father on the brink, struggling to care for his young daughter Collette after their lives spiral into poverty. In a desperate bid to secure her future, Daniel unknowingly takes on the role of Death. This isn’t a metaphor—his body physically transforms, and his touch becomes lethal. Forced to hide under layers of clothing and keep his distance from his child, Daniel crafts a life of secrecy and self-denial while trying to undo the curse. But as Collette begins to question the strange new rules and a CPS officer starts circling, Daniel’s fragile world begins to fray.

What truly elevates “Ba” is its technical prowess. Visually, the film is stunning. Cinematographer Ming Jue Hu captures the underbelly of Los Angeles with a sense of haunted beauty—gritty yet poetic. The special and visual effects are seamlessly integrated, and the creature design around Daniel’s transformation is eerie without ever feeling gimmicky. Production design and sound design by Sung Rok Choi go hand in hand to build a dark, immersive atmosphere, making the film look and sound far beyond its indie roots.

Adding to the film’s strengths are the deeply affecting performances by Lawrence Kao and Kai Cech as father and daughter. Their chemistry is palpable from the first scene and becomes the emotional backbone of the story. Kao brings a quiet intensity to Daniel—he’s withdrawn, burdened, but never flat. His physical transformation is impressive, but it’s the internal unraveling that truly lands. Cech, as Collette, is a revelation. Her performance is sharp, intuitive, and filled with subtle grace. Together, they bring raw honesty to a relationship built on love, fear, and impossible choices. Their evolving dynamic gives the film its most powerful moments.

That said, the movie doesn’t always hit the mark. While the core concept is original and compelling, the storytelling occasionally falters. Certain emotional beats that should feel devastating don’t always resonate as strongly as intended. The pacing in some middle sections drags slightly, and there are moments where the film leans more on mood than movement. It’s clear the story is layered with meaning, but a few scenes could have used more clarity or tightening to maximize their emotional impact. These are small blemishes, but noticeable in a film that aims to be both cerebral and heartfelt.

Despite its imperfections, “Ba” is an admirable and memorable debut. It’s visually rich, thematically bold, and anchored by standout performances. More than a genre film, it’s a personal story about love, identity, and sacrifice. For those seeking horror with heart and substance, this film is well worth the journey.

‘Ba (2024)’ Rating – 3.25/5