“A Useful Ghost” by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke: a Thai film at Cannes where a man discovers his wife’s spirit in a vacuum cleaner. Bold and visually stunning.
The Cannes Film Festival is a cinematic carnival, a place where the art of film is celebrated in all its forms—from the sublime to the ridiculous, and everything in between. It’s a festival that thrives on discovery, where the next big thing can emerge from the unlikeliest of corners. This year, one such corner is Thailand, and the film is A Useful Ghost, a debut feature that’s already generating buzz ahead of its world premiere at Critics’ Week.
Directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke and starring Davika Hoorne, this is the kind of movie that makes you sit up and take notice—not just for its audacity, but for the sheer originality of its premise.
Picture this: March, a man shattered by the loss of his wife, Nat, who succumbed to dust pollution, finds himself reunited with her spirit. But this isn’t your typical ghostly romance. Nat’s essence doesn’t linger in a mirror or a creaky old house—it inhabits a vacuum cleaner.
Yes, a vacuum cleaner. In a festival known for pushing the boundaries of cinema, A Useful Ghost might just suck up all the attention (pun intended) with a concept that’s as absurd as it is affecting. It’s a love story that dares to be different, blending the supernatural with the everyday to explore grief, connection, and the quirky resilience of the human heart.
The film’s international prospects got a major boost with its acquisition by Best Friend Forever, a Brussels-based outfit with a knack for spotting cinematic gems that defy convention. Known for championing bold voices, the company has added A Useful Ghost to a Cannes lineup that includes other intriguing titles like Sleepless City. Martin Gondre and Charles Bin, the co-founders of Best Friend Forever, didn’t mince words about their enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to welcome Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s feature debut to our lineup.
‘A Useful Ghost’ is a unique blend of genres, mixing supernatural elements with a heartfelt love story, all wrapped in a visually stunning package. We believe it has the potential to resonate with audiences worldwide.” With their track record, that’s not just hype—it’s a promise of a film poised to break out beyond the Croisette.
Boonbunchachoke himself is no stranger to the festival circuit. His 2020 short, Red Aninsri; Or, Tiptoeing on the Still Trembling Berlin Wall, turned heads at Locarno with its surreal yet poignant storytelling. Now, with A Useful Ghost, he’s stepping into the feature spotlight, bringing that same fearless creativity to a bigger canvas.
Starring Davika Hoorne—one of Thailand’s most beloved actresses—the film has the star power to match its inventive spirit. Hoorne’s presence ensures that this isn’t just a niche experiment; it’s a movie with the charisma to draw a crowd.
And where better to debut than Critics’ Week? This Cannes sidebar, dedicated to first and second films, has long been a launchpad for visionary talents—think Bernardo Bertolucci, Guillermo del Toro, or Wong Kar-wai. It’s a place where risks are rewarded, where the future of cinema takes shape.
A Useful Ghost fits right in, its offbeat narrative and emotional core tailor-made for a section that celebrates the bold and the new. For Boonbunchachoke, this premiere could be the start of something big—a chance to join the ranks of those who’ve turned their Cannes debut into a lasting legacy.
As the festival looms, the buzz around A Useful Ghost is growing louder. Will it be the sleeper hit of Cannes 2025? With its wild premise, a director on the rise, and Best Friend Forever’s savvy backing, it’s got all the ingredients to make a splash.
Whether it sweeps up awards or simply captures the imagination of festival-goers, one thing’s for sure: this is no ordinary ghost story. In a cinematic landscape that can feel all too predictable, A Useful Ghost is a gust of fresh air—delivered, fittingly, through the hum of a vacuum cleaner. Keep an eye on this one; it’s ready to haunt your dreams and your heart.
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