Film Overview

For the first time in several years, Thai cinema is making a notable appearance in the Cannes Critics’ Week section with the film A Useful Ghost. Directed by the emerging talent Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, the film combines elements of romance and the supernatural in a unique narrative.

Plot Synopsis

A Useful Ghost follows Nat, played by the well-known Thai actress and model Davika Hoorne. In a poignant twist, Nat succumbs to dust pollution and returns in the form of a ghost embodied as a vacuum cleaner. Her goal is to protect her family from a similar fate.

Witsarut Himmarat stars as March, Nat’s husband, whose affluent family has a complicated history with the supernatural. They are wary of the ghostly presence due to a troubling event that previously halted operations at their manufacturing factory.

Challenges of Love and Acceptance

In an effort to demonstrate her commitment, Nat attempts to cleanse the factory of its paranormal influences. To become a truly beneficial ghost, she must first address the challenges posed by other, less helpful spirits.

Director and Production Team

Boonbunchachoke is gaining recognition as one of Thailand’s promising directors, having previously won the Junior Jury award at the Locarno Film Festival for his short film Red Aninsri; Or, Tiptoeing on the Still Trembling Berlin Wall. A Useful Ghost marks his first feature film.

The film is produced by Cattleya Paosrijaroen and Soros Sukhum at Bangkok’s 185 Films, known for their collaboration on successful projects such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Memoria and Kristen Tan’s Pop Aye. International partnerships include Haut Les Mains Productions from France, Momo Film Co from Singapore, and Mayana Films from Germany.

International Distribution

International sales for A Useful Ghost are being managed by Belgium-based Best Friends Forever, ensuring the film reaches audiences beyond Thailand.