Kha Y Tran The Vietnamese box office has a new leader. Ma Xó has officially surpassed Doraemon. As a result, it now holds the number one position in theaters.
The horror film is directed by Phan Bá Hỷ. It opened with strong ticket sales. Moreover, audience interest continues to grow.
According to Box Office Vietnam, the movie earned about VND 2.6 billion on the morning of June 6. At the same time, more than 32,500 tickets were sold. In addition, the film played in nearly 3,500 screenings across the country.
Including preview screenings, Ma Xó has already earned over VND 15 billion. Therefore, it has become one of the strongest Vietnamese releases of the month.
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Why Is Ma Xó Performing So Well?
Several factors have helped the movie succeed.
First, Doraemon is no longer at its peak. The animated blockbuster dominated theaters for weeks. However, audience demand has started to slow.
Second, many local films released during the April 30 holiday have lost momentum. For example, Hero, Phí Phông, and Heo Năm Móng now receive fewer screenings.
As a result, Ma Xó faces little direct competition. Therefore, it has more opportunities to attract moviegoers.
In addition, social media has helped increase awareness. Many viewers have shared positive reactions online. Consequently, word-of-mouth marketing continues to boost ticket sales.
What Is Ma Xó About?
The story follows Phú and Thảo. They are a poor married couple. Both struggle with financial problems.
Things become worse after Thảo suffers a miscarriage. Since then, she has lived with constant fear. She worries about losing another child.
Meanwhile, the family’s situation keeps getting harder. Soon after, Phú’s mother dies because the family cannot afford treatment. As a result, both characters feel trapped and hopeless.
Eventually, Thảo seeks help from a local spiritual practitioner. She performs a ritual. The goal is to invite a wandering spirit into the home. According to local beliefs, the spirit becomes a Ma Xó. It protects the house. It also guards the unborn child.
However, the ritual has unexpected consequences. Soon, strange events begin to occur. Doors move on their own. Unusual sounds fill the house. In addition, dark secrets slowly emerge. Consequently, the family is pulled into a terrifying supernatural nightmare.
Vietnamese Folk Horror Sets the Film Apart
One of the movie’s biggest strengths is its cultural identity. Instead of copying Western horror ideas, Ma Xó uses Vietnamese folklore. Therefore, the story feels unique and familiar at the same time.
Moreover, local spiritual beliefs play a major role in the plot. This approach gives the film a stronger connection with Vietnamese audiences.
The rural setting also helps. The villages, homes, and landscapes look realistic. As a result, the supernatural elements feel more believable.
Furthermore, the film relies on atmosphere. It does not depend only on jump scares. Instead, it builds tension slowly. Consequently, viewers feel uneasy throughout the movie.
Strong Acting Adds Emotional Depth
The cast includes Lê Khánh, Avin Lu, Tín Nguyễn, Hạnh Thúy, and Kiều Trinh.
Among them, Lê Khánh delivers one of the strongest performances. She captures fear, grief, and desperation very well. Therefore, audiences can connect with her character.
Meanwhile, Avin Lu portrays a husband under extreme pressure. His performance feels natural and believable.
Together, the cast brings emotional weight to the story. As a result, the film becomes more than a simple horror movie.
Does Ma Xó Have Any Weaknesses?
Despite its success, the movie is not perfect.
The story explores several themes. These include poverty, faith, karma, and family struggles.
However, some ideas are not fully developed. Therefore, a few emotional moments feel less powerful than expected.
In addition, some horror scenes may seem familiar. Fans of Vietnamese horror films might predict certain twists.
Even so, the movie remains entertaining. The visuals look polished. The sound design is effective. Moreover, the atmosphere stays strong from beginning to end.
Can Ma Xó Continue Its Success?
The outlook appears positive.
Currently, there are few major local competitors. Therefore, Ma Xó could remain at the top of the box office.
In addition, audience reactions have been mostly positive. Social media discussions continue to generate interest.
Many analysts believe the film can pass VND 30 billion in revenue. If that happens, it will become one of the most successful Vietnamese horror films of 2026.
Final Verdict
Ma Xó is one of the biggest box office surprises of the year.
The film combines folk horror, family drama, and supernatural suspense. As a result, it offers a fresh experience for audiences.
Although the script has some weaknesses, the movie succeeds in many areas. Its atmosphere is strong. Its cultural themes feel authentic. Furthermore, the performances add emotional depth.
For fans of Vietnamese horror, Ma Xó is worth watching. Moreover, its strong box office results suggest that local folk horror remains popular with audiences.
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