“How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” (2024)
“How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is a beautiful story about family obligations and growing up, with a lot of heart and humor mixed in.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the movie, which Thailand has picked as its contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars.
M (Putthipong Assaratanakul) is painted as a slacker early on, a dropout who left school with the dream of being a wealthy game streamer. That dream hasn’t come to fruition despite the endless hours he’s spent gaming.
When he realizes that he could potentially benefit monetarily from it, he jumps on the opportunity to take care of his dying grandmother (Usha Seamkhum). He even sells all of his gaming equipment.
At first, he’s rather lackadaisical about it, putting minimal effort in and his grandma even calling him “mediocre.” She winds up doing more caretaking than he does, and he has clearly gotten in over his head.
She repeatedly asks him “Why are you bothering me?” in a way I find utterly hilarious, indicating his presence is seen as more of an unwanted roommate than a caretaker.
The story takes a winding path to what is a fairly predictable result, but the performances by Assaratanakul and Seamkhum make it a truly touching journey.
Yes, the film hits some pretty saccharine notes (literally and figuratively) at times, but it was still a joy to watch, a great celebration of the little moments you have with loved ones.