A Useful Ghost review reveals an exhilarating black comedy that uses a haunted hoover to summon the ghosts of Thailand's troubled past. This stylish debut from Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke won the critics' week grand prize at Cannes and blends supernatural fantasy with national grief.
Plot and Premise of A Useful Ghost
The film follows a queer academic, Wisarut Homhuan, who is shocked when his new vacuum cleaner starts expelling dust it just inhaled. A repairman, Krong, arrives with eerie speed and explains that the factory making the hoover is haunted. This sets off a flashback to the story of Tok, a worker who became a poltergeist after ingesting poisonous dust.
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Key Themes and Symbolism
Boonbunchachoke envisions a Thailand vigorously effacing its inconvenient past, from the 1976 Thammasat University demonstrations to the 2010 military crackdown. The haunted vacuum symbolizes the toxic dust of history that refuses to be swept away. The film is a humorous twist on the spiritual realities explored by Thai master Joe Weerasethakul.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke |
| Award | Critics' Week Grand Prize, Cannes 2023 |
| Genre | Supernatural black comedy |
| Key Cast | Wisarut Homhuan, Wanlop Rungkumjad, Krittin Thongmai |
| Runtime | Approx. 90 minutes |
Why This Film Stands Out
A Useful Ghost is heartfelt and elegant in its compositional flair, with dreamlike tableaux crisply juxtaposed. The effect is disquieting, erotic, and terribly sad. It channels western films like Ghost and Truly, Madly, Deeply while maintaining a distinct Thai identity.
- Won the Critics' Week Grand Prize at Cannes 2023
- Features a unique haunted vacuum cleaner as a plot device
- Explores national grief through supernatural black comedy
- Strong performances from a talented cast
- Visually stunning with sharp editing
FAQ
What is A Useful Ghost about?
A Useful Ghost is a black comedy where a queer academic's vacuum cleaner starts spewing dust, leading to a story about a haunted factory and Thailand's traumatic history.
Did A Useful Ghost win any awards?
Yes, it won the Critics' Week Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
Who directed A Useful Ghost?
The film was directed by 39-year-old Thai filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke.
In summary, A Useful Ghost is a must-watch for fans of innovative cinema. Its blend of humor, horror, and history makes it a standout debut. Don't miss this hauntingly beautiful film.
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