Deathwave is a 2009 Thai disaster film directed, produced, and written by Toranong Srichua. The film is also known as 2022 Tsunami (Thai: 2022 สึนามิ วันโลกสังหาร). It was released on May 28, 2009, in Thailand, with a running time of 130 minutes.
Synopsis
Set in the year 2022, the film follows Prime Minister Traipop, a young politician who prioritizes public interests over political concerns. Eighteen years after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Traipop's administration establishes a national disaster alarm center, headed by Dr. Siam. Dr. Siam attempts to warn the Prime Minister that a tsunami may strike the Gulf of Thailand. Ultimately, the tsunami hits Bangkok on April 13, which coincides with Songkran Day (the Thai New Year).
Production and Reception
Srichua, a director known primarily for erotic films in the 1980s and 1990s, made Deathwave as his first film in five years, following his 2004 work Unhuman. He stated that he made the film to warn the Thai people about potential future disasters. The film is notable as the first Thai film in which the Prime Minister is a main character.
Most filming took place at a studio in Amphoe Kaeng Krachan, Phetchaburi province. The film's marketing was controversial: one billboard promoting the film used actual photographs of 2004 tsunami victims, which drew criticism as inappropriate.
Although the film was promoted as a potential blockbuster comparable to Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, or the Korean film Haeundae, it was criticized for its direct-to-video or B-movie quality and drew very low box office turnout. The film had a budget of 160 million baht but earned only approximately 5 million baht at the box office. In response to the criticism, Srichua considered staging publicity stunts such as fasting on a building's roof to simulate tsunami scenarios, though these events were ultimately not held. The director subsequently faced financial difficulties and personal struggles.
Cast
- Panudej Wattanasuchart as Traipop Raknaitham
- Suchao Pongwilai as Dr. Siam
- Pisarn Srimunkhong as Phuket
- Sirinda Jensen as Cindy
- Nichapa Prakornkitwattana as Phi Phi
- Chalit Fiangarom as Somchart
- Prinya Wongsilp as Rawai
- Chumphorn Thepphithak as Ke the Old Man
- Thanayong Wongtrakun as Chartrat
- Manop Asawatap as SEAFDEC Commander
Other Uses of the Term
Beyond the film, "Deathwave" is also used in other contexts, including:
- Video games: "Death Wave" is an Ultimate Weapon ability in the mobile game The Tower - Idle Tower Defense, and "Deathwave" is the title of an arcade-style first-person shooter available on Steam.
- Music: "Deathwave" has been used to describe a hybrid music genre combining elements of deathstep, death metal, and synthwave.
- Horror cinema: The term has been used informally to describe a perceived movement or wave in horror filmmaking.
- Scientific research: In neuroscience, "death wave" has been used to describe a high-amplitude slow brain wave observed in EEG recordings following decapitation in animal studies, presumed to signify the death of brain neurons.
The most widely documented and encyclopedically established use of the term, however, is the 2009 Thai disaster film described above.
