Synopsis A USEFUL GHOST: The Vacuum Cleaner Ghost Ready to Haunt BIFF 2025

A USEFUL GHOST tells the story of Nat, a young ghost who refuses to accept her death. Played by Davika Hoorne, Nat chooses to reside in a vacuum cleaner to continue searching for her husband, March (Witsarut Himmarat). This choice allows the audience to see horror in a new light, not frightening, but rather warm and meaningful.

Initially, March and his family reject Nat's presence from the other realm. However, when they realize there is a purpose behind her existence, the family gradually accepts her. Although March's family eventually accepts Nat, this acceptance comes with consequences. Nat cannot just pursue her own love; she is required to fulfill a greater duty as a "connector" for other spirits.

Nat not only wants to return to her husband, but she also has a "duty" to help wandering spirits find their way to the afterlife. This means she has a larger responsibility, not just personal matters, but also assisting other souls trapped in the world.

The spirits that Nat encounters are actually people who died during political events in Thailand, ranging from victims of riots, repression, to the struggle for democracy over the decades. In this way, the film connects Nat's personal story with the wounds experienced by Thai society.

With a background as a writer and film critic, Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke successfully weaves Nat's personal story with broader socio-political issues, making A USEFUL GHOST feel both familiar and different.

After achieving remarkable success by winning the Grand Prix at Cannes Critics' Week, A USEFUL GHOST is now continuing its journey to the 2025 Busan International Film Festival. This film has become one of the most anticipated. The combination of fantasy, family drama, and political history makes A USEFUL GHOST difficult to categorize into a single genre. However, that is precisely what makes it unique, where audiences can experience horror, emotion, and historical reflection all at once.