A Useful Ghost

March and Nat are madly in love. For the affectionate couple, who both work at an appliance factory in Thailand, their relationship is cut short by a great tragedy. When Nat passes away from dust pollution, leaving behind March to take care of their only child, Dot, their unbridled love transcends metaphysical barriers. Nat returns as a reincarnated vacuum cleaner. Enthusiastic about her return, March faces opposition from his in-laws, who object to the preposterous supernatural circumstances. Together, March and Nat face a greater challenge in finding acceptance for their unconventional relationship. 

What begins as a humorous interpretation of a classic supernatural love story, Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s electrifying debut refuses to follow a safe narrative trajectory. In return, A Useful Ghost delicately examines the resilience of the class consciousness through its supernatural veneer. Juggling different tones and genres into an invigorating political text, Boonbunchachoke’s intelligent and unpredictable screenplay examines the meaning of love within a neoliberal society. Winner of the Semaine De La Critique Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, A Useful Ghost is one of the most compelling feature debuts in recent memory.  - David Cuevas