Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke Makes a Daring First Impression
In his remarkable feature debut, A Useful Ghost, emerging Thai filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke introduces an eccentric and imaginative voice to the world of cinema. Described by the director as a work of “elegant perversity,” the film delivers a captivating blend of queer comedy and supernatural fantasy. Premiering in the Critics’ Week section at the Cannes Film Festival, it quickly earned attention for its originality and playful defiance of genre norms.
The quirky narrative begins when a young ladyboy receives a new vacuum cleaner—only to discover that the device might be more alive than expected. The story escalates with March, the CEO of a family-owned appliance business, who finds himself haunted by the ghost of his late wife. Her death, caused by severe air pollution, takes a twisted turn as her spirit returns possessing a disturbingly seductive vacuum cleaner. As supernatural phenomena intensify, March becomes convinced that every appliance his company produces is potentially possessed by restless spirits.
Blending the Ordinary with the Fantastical
A Useful Ghost stands out for its seamless integration of fantastical elements into mundane, everyday life. The surreal becomes surprisingly natural, as the film unpacks profound ideas through its uniquely whimsical lens. Ratchapoom layers his narrative with cultural introspection and social commentary, addressing the impact of unchecked capitalism, the dilemmas of globalization, and the pressure to conform within traditional societies. At the same time, he explores themes of identity, queerness, lingering grief, and even the strange sensuality found in unexpected places—like a haunted household appliance.
With minimalist yet fluid direction, Ratchapoom crafts a modern-day fable that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. His characters navigate a world where the emotional weight of their experiences materializes through the very machines meant to serve them—a subtle but sharp metaphor for society’s buried traumas and desires.
A Witty, Genre-Defying Experience
Irreverent, poetic, and delightfully absurd, A Useful Ghost is a cinematic outlier that resists easy definition. Boonbunchachoke masterfully combines camp, satire, and poignancy to create an offbeat, queer-spirited story that challenges social conventions with a mischievously elegant touch. By merging ghostly hauntings with biting societal critique, the film invites audiences to question the norms we take for granted—both at home and within ourselves.
This genre-bending gem is not just a supernatural tale—it’s a smart, subversive reflection on love, loss, and the systems we live under. Perfect for viewers craving something refreshingly bold and different, A Useful Ghost is a whimsical yet thought-provoking escape for anyone navigating the strangeness of modern life.