Months after its local release, "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" has finally made its way to Netflix, quickly gaining a reputation as a guaranteed tear-jerker. But is the film overhyped? In our view, the attention it has garnered is well-deserved. While the premise may suggest a straightforward family drama, the film delves deeper than expected, crafting a narrative that intricately pulls at the audience's emotions. Though we didn’t find ourselves reaching for tissues, the film effectively draws viewers in with its complex family dynamics and underlying emotional tension.
At the center of the story is M (Putthipong Assaratanakul), a college dropout who finds himself envious of his younger cousin Mui (Tontawan Tantivejakul). Mui cared for her ailing grandfather and eventually inherited his fortune. Seeing an opportunity, M decides to care for his grandmother (Usha Seamkhum), who has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, in hopes of securing her affection—and, ultimately, her inheritance.
While the film certainly has its emotional moments, the primary issue lies in the story itself. Not because it lacks impact, but because, at times, it feels contrived. The emotional beats, though effective, occasionally come at the expense of character development and narrative depth. The central conflict, beyond M’s opportunistic intentions, is the neglect his grandmother faces from her own children, who repeatedly fail to give her the attention and care she deserves in her final days. This familial neglect injects unexpected weight into the film, adding layers to what could have been a much more simplistic plot centered on greed. However, M’s character arc - his transition from a self-serving grandson to someone compassionate - feels rushed. The resolution of his storyline lacks the depth needed to make it fully satisfying especially in the context of what transpired before that moment. Despite this, the film’s performances are exceptional. Putthipong Assaratanakul and Usha Seamkhum, though relatively unknown to us, deliver standout performances that anchor the film. Their chemistry and emotional depth elevate what could have been a standard family drama into something far more compelling. In conclusion, "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" may not be the tear-fest some expect it to be, but it offers a thoughtful exploration of family relationships, loss, and redemption. While the story occasionally stumbles, the film’s emotional core and strong performances make it a worthy watch.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies Movie Review: Deep Family Drama
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