Vietnam’s highest-grossing horror thriller of all time, Detective Kien: The Headless Horror, is making its way to cinemas across the U.S. and a dozen other countries. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Victor Vu, this 19th-century mystery has already shattered box office records in its home country, and now it’s ready to scare audiences worldwide.
The film follows the titular character, Detective Kien, as he investigates a gruesome discovery: a headless body found in a secluded rural Vietnamese village during the Nguyen Dynasty. As the mystery deepens, supernatural elements begin to emerge, leading Detective Kien through a series of chilling twists. The film promises to transport viewers into a world brimming with mystery, horror, and suspense, featuring a talented cast including Quoc Huy, Dinh Ngoc Diep, Tran Quoc Anh, Doan Minh Anh, and My Uyen.
Record-Breaking Success in Vietnam
Detective Kien has been a monumental hit since its local premiere on April 30. According to Deadline, the film amassed approximately $5.8 million (150 billion VND) in just eight days at the Vietnamese box office. It currently stands at approximately $9.2 million (239 billion VND) and is still playing in cinemas.
This impressive performance places Detective Kien on track to become Vietnam’s second-highest-grossing film of the year and has already secured its spot as the eighth biggest film of all time in its home country. This success is another feather in the cap for Victor Vu, whose 20-year career has consistently balanced critical acclaim with commercial triumphs. Vu is internationally recognized for Mat Biec (Dreamy Eyes) and Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass, both of which were Vietnam’s official entries for the International Feature Film Oscar.
Director Victor Vu expressed his passion for showcasing Vietnam’s rich heritage through his work. “One of my greatest passions is to explore Vietnam’s culture and the distinct beauty of the country through my films, no matter what genre I’m working in,” Vu stated.
“Detective Kien is special because it offers audiences a glimpse into Vietnam’s past. The movie was shot in villages and homes that are 200 years old. Considerable attention was given to the production design, costumes, props and locations – to offer the most realistic portrayal of Vietnamese society during the Nguyen dynasty.”
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He hopes that international audiences will gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s unique traditions. “I want to share this world that we recreated with international audiences, with the hope that they will gain a better understanding of the rich tapestry of traditions, customs and beliefs that characterize the unique culture of Vietnam,” he added.
Specialty distributor 3388 Films is handling the international rollout. Detective Kien will hit cinemas in the U.S., Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia starting May 29. The UK, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Poland will follow on May 30, with France, Bulgaria, and Japan to come later.
Thien A. Pham, founder of 3388 Films, emphasized the importance of the big-screen experience. “3388 Films prioritizes and advocates for the theatrical experience because we believe audiences love, and want, to watch films on the big screen, in cinemas together with family and friends,” Pham said. “Moviegoing, even with all the recent industry challenges, remains an unrivaled magical experience that sparks imagination, creates wonder, and fulfills our human need for social connections. And without a doubt, Victor Vu’s films are meant to be experienced by audiences on the silver screen.”
