This is a sweet and tender portrait of ageing through the eyes of a grandson who discovers there is more to family than inheritance.

M (Putthipong ‘Billkin’ Assaratanakul) is the only grandson of ageing Amah (Usha Seamkhum) who has three adult children who all seem to be somewhat of a disappointment. Soei (Pongsatorn Jongwilas) is always looking for money and has no qualms about stealing from his mother. M’s mother (Sarinrat Thomas) is the only dutiful daughter. She often volunteers for the caring role over her two brothers but we are not sure if it is martyrdom or love. Elder son Kiang (Sanya Kunakorn) has married Pinn (Duangporn Oapirat) who the others see as ambitious and not respectful enough of family traditions.

And family traditions are at the core of this story. Although living in Thailand, Amah is Chinese and respecting spirits and ancestors and following tradition is important to her. She is pedantic and particular, ruling the family with a brusque charm.

M is preoccupied with gaming and dreams of making big money that of course is never realised. When he sees that his young cousin Mui (Tontawan Tantivejakul), who took on a nursing role with Amah‘s brother Agong (Phichai Prommate), inherited his house when he dies, this sparks an idea of how he can get rich quickly.

At first suspicious of his care and interest, it’s not really surprising that proximity and time build a genuine bond between the two. The English title definitely focuses on M’s get-rich-quick scheme but the original Thai title – หลานม่า – translates roughly as “Ma’s grandchild”, tipping us off to what is really the heart of the film and reminding me of the original title of House of Seasons (2024).

This could be quite a sentimental film, and sometimes it strays into violins and twinkly eyes, but first time director Pat Boonnitipat gives us, overall, a warm and loving story of family. You can’t help but be swept along and perhaps recognise how you might love someone who reliably lets you down. Or need to look up from your phone or computer game occasionally to appreciate family.