‘A Useful Ghost’ Review: A Haunted Vacuum Cleaner Hoovers Up Attention in Pleasingly Particular Ghost Story

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In Thai cinema, themes of sorrow and spirits are familiar, but “A Useful Ghost” offers an unique blend of amusement and emotion, despite its somewhat sprawling structure. The film, which was part of Cannes Critics’ Week, initiates when a self-proclaimed ‘Academic Ladyboy’ (Wisarut Homhuan) purchases a vacuum cleaner, finding it oddly possessed. A repairman with charm (Wanlop Rungkumjud) arrives on the scene, though this isn’t a film about adult content, despite a later sex scene between the two that combines both sadness and humor. His purpose is to introduce the main narrative: the heart-wrenching story of March (Witsarut Himmarat), a man overwhelmed by grief following his wife’s recent dust poisoning-induced death. It becomes clear that his spouse has not truly departed, instead manifesting as the spirit within the possessed vacuum cleaner.

The theme of loved ones reappearing in unusual circumstances is a recurring trope in cinema, as seen from “Vertigo” to “Birth.” “A Useful Ghost” adds an intriguing twist to this concept. One of the enjoyable aspects of the movie lies in observing how others respond when March wants to restore his relationship with his wife, who has now taken form as an electrical appliance. The film’s humor often stems from the fact that it’s not so much that she’s a vacuum cleaner, but rather her return itself that upsets March’s family. It seems they didn’t hold her in high regard when she was alive, and her ability to surpass death’s boundaries has done nothing to improve her standing with the in-laws whatsoever.

The movie becomes more thought-provoking as it progresses, veering away from mere amusement towards deeper themes, by delving into the intricacies of appeasing an oppressor. Instead of standing up against her mistreaters, Vacuum Nat chooses to appease them by demonstrating her worth as a helpful spirit. She assists them in expelling other displaced spirits from their factories where hazardous conditions have led to the deaths of many who later returned as appliances. This alliance with the oppressor, rather than unity with the oppressed, makes Nat a complex protagonist. However, due to her lowly status – being both deceased and a vacuum cleaner – you can’t help but feel empathy for her struggles.

In my perspective, the magic lies in the polished performance of the vacuum cleaner, despite its seemingly comical nature. One might anticipate humor from a rickety device zigzagging into objects and stumbling around like a charming robot straight out of an ’80s film. Alternatively, one could envision a spooky vacuum as a chilling entity, reminiscent of the menacing Plymouth Fury in “Christine” or the malevolent porcelain dolls in Blumhouse horror films. The hose might seem sinister, shimmering and slithering with malignant intent. However, what stands out is the grace and sophistication displayed by the vacuum, as it gracefully moves about with a peculiar fragility. This unexpected choice adds a delightful twist, mirroring the refined physicality of actress Davika Hoorne, who embodies the human counterpart of the haunted vacuum cleaner.

When a group of monks refer to a vacuum cleaner as a derogatory term, it’s both amusing and shockingly inappropriate, stirring a sense of protective empathy within the viewer – an approach that seems uncharacteristic for the equally absurd yet nihilistic works of filmmakers like Quentin Dupieux. In contrast, Boonbunchachoke is more empathetic, as this sensitivity is crucial to his political message: he aims to shed light on Thailand’s history of exploiting disposable workers and covering up politically convenient scandals.

Instead of a commercially-oriented film, a catchy headline might have been “A Haunted Vacuum Cleaner at the Box Office.” Regrettably, the movie “A Useful Ghost” appears to be more suitable for art house cinemas. However, its quirky allure has proven captivating, and it skillfully shifts into a somber, eerie tone that adds to its unique appeal.

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2025-05-21 22:47