Convinced that these dreams are clues to a hidden golden Buddha statue, Leng Heng teams up with Srey Leak (Srey Leak Chhith), a street-smart orphan, to find the treasure.
The film holds an on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 73/100 on Metacritic. It is described as a "beautifully imperfect" and "enigmatic" debut that rewards open-minded viewers. Reel Review: Karmalink (2021)
Their journey eventually intersects with the work of Dr. Vattanak, a neuroscientist who used advanced nanotechnology to digitally map human consciousness and attempt to "hack" the cycle of rebirth. Critical Review Highlights subtitle Karmalink.2021.ENSUBBED.WEB-DL
While the first two acts are considered engaging and accessible, some critics felt the third act became slightly "esoteric" or "bogged down" by its complex metaphysical ideas. Overall Sentiment
Reviewers from Variety and The Film Verdict lauded the "lo-fi" cyberpunk setting, which avoids common "poverty porn" tropes while realistically embedding futuristic tech into everyday Cambodian life. Convinced that these dreams are clues to a
Finding the treasure offers hope for their community, which faces forced relocation to make room for a new high-speed railway.
Critics generally praised the film for its originality and visual style, though some noted a shift in tone during the final act. Overall Sentiment Reviewers from Variety and The Film
The story follows 13-year-old (played by the late Leng Heng Prak), who experiences vivid dreams of what he believes are his past lives.