THALASSOPHOBIA
Synopsis
Banoy is a member of a cargo vessel crew, operating in the isolation of the ocean with his friend Dao and other crew members. Banoy begins to notice strange supernatural phenomena happening on and around the ship – flickering lights, things moving – but brushes it off as his imagination. Then, Dao disappears without a trace. Strangely, Banoy is the only one who seems to even remember Dao’s existence. The atmosphere between Banoy and the remaining crew becomes increasingly hostile as he tries to confront them with Dao’s disappearance, but they keep denying Dao ever existed. Despite the crew’s hostility and disbelief, Banoy investigates the situation. Then, suddenly, Dao re-appears, but as a completely different person. Neither he nor the crew remember his past the way Banoy does. When Banoy tries to talk to Dao and convince him they are friends, the crew do everything to keep him away from Dao. Banoy gets completely isolated from the crew, as no one believes him. In deep desperation, Banoy jumps from the ship, seems to drown and lose consciousness. Then, a bright light shines underwater and pulls Banoy in closer. He wakes up to find the crew standing around him, including Dao, who is now the friend he remembers him to be. Then, he notices the crew members pulling Dao away. It becomes clear they switched roles in some strange play of alternate realities.
BASBLIN RUBAN
Synopsis
Ruban and Basblin are brothers, robbing a hardware store. Ruban is the mastermind behind the operation, while Basblin is his silent sidekick. As they make their getaway, it becomes clear that Basblin is mentally impaired and relies on Ruban to take care of him. The robbery goes wrong and the brothers are forced to flee the city. They hit the road, looking for a place to lay low until the heat dies down. Along the way, Ruban begins to realize that Basblin’s childlike innocence and simplicity have given him a wisdom that Ruban lacks. Ruban becomes fascinated by Basblin’s ability to see the world in a more positive light, and begins his own journey of reconnecting with his inner child. As the brothers journey deeper into the country, they encounter a series of eccentric characters who challenge their preconceptions and help Ruban confront the pain of his past. Despite the dangers they face, Ruban and Basblin’s bond grows stronger as they travel, and Ruban begins to see Basblin as a role model for how to stay connected to his playful inner child. In the end, the brothers are changed men. Ruban has learned to let go of his tough-guy persona and embrace his vulnerability, while Basblin has shown him the importance of embracing his inner child. They return to the city with a much wiser intention for their lives. However, the long arm of the law is still after them and has different ideas about their futures.