A Useful Ghost: A Haunting Love Story That Transcends Life and Death

In a unique fusion of the supernatural and poignant storytelling, the film ‘A Useful Ghost,’ directed by Thai filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, offers a fresh take on love intertwined with loss. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Thailand, this feature debut illustrates the enduring bonds between the living and the departed through the clever use of a vacuum cleaner as a vessel for a lost soul.

The narrative revolves around a character named Nat, who, after succumbing to a respiratory illness, finds herself inhabiting a vacuum cleaner produced by her mother-in-law Suman’s company. While the world perceives the machine as just another household appliance, Nat’s husband, March, sees it as a lifeline to his deceased wife. This peculiar relationship forms the crux of the story and unfolds in a manner that is both whimsical and deeply reflective.

‘A Useful Ghost’ not only captivates with its quirky premise but also serves as a metaphor, reflecting on Thailand’s complex historical narratives and society’s struggle to reconcile with its past. The film won the prestigious top award at the Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week in 2025, indicating its critical acclaim and artistic merit in the arthouse film genre. Through a lens filled with deadpan humor and stillness, Boonbunchachoke explores themes of memory, grief, and the human condition.

The film employs a non-linear storytelling approach, skillfully weaving flashbacks into the narrative. The story begins with a construction worker who, overwhelmed by dust and chaos, purchases a vacuum cleaner, unknowingly acquiring a haunted object. Krong, the repairman, reveals that Nat is not the only spirit residing in the machines from Suman’s factory, hinting at a broader commentary on the spirits of the past that linger within Thai society.

As the crimson vacuum cleaner follows March through his daily routine, it serves as a constant reminder of his love and the void left by Nat’s absence. The film delicately balances its lighthearted elements with profound emotional depth, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own relationships with love, loss, and the memories that shape them. ‘A Useful Ghost’ stands as a testament to the power of love that transcends even the most final of separations, making it a must-watch for those seeking both entertainment and introspection in cinema.

Source: scroll.in