Film Review – A Helpful Spirit (2025)

      A Useful Ghost, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke.

      Featuring Davika Hoorne, Witsarut Himmarat, Apasiri Nitibhon, Wanlop Rungkumjad, Wisarut Homhuan, Gandhi Wasuvitchayagit, Ornanong Thaisriwong, Kritpahat Srimangkornkaew, Katanyu Swangsri, Dhyan Ho, Wachara Kanha, Krittin Thongmai, and Supravee Jantanasavedol.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A vacuum cleaner becomes possessed by a spirit, leading to various consequences.

      While the core concept of writer/director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s debut film, A Useful Ghost, centers on a ghost inhabiting a vacuum cleaner, it merely scratches the surface of the film’s eccentric, quirky, and delightfully bizarre nature. It is expansive and ambitious, although this doesn’t always translate seamlessly. At times, it seems to throw the overall story into a perplexing spin, with themes already explored or drifting away from the main idea, making it feel like a different movie in various respects.

      Nonetheless, with its plethora of ideas, charming oddities, and heartfelt observations on capitalism, grief, memory, and a third act steeped in comically exaggerated revenge (enhanced by an upbeat score that embraces the whimsical absurdities), it remains a remarkable journey that leaves viewers uplifted, despite some missteps along the way. Even during the film's stumbles, there persists a sense that one is witnessing the emergence of a uniquely creative and cleverly twisted filmmaker, intertwining elements of supernatural comedy, high-concept melodrama, traditional revenge narratives, heavy moral dilemmas impacting key characters, and an explosion of violence that acts as a satisfying punchline to the preceding events.

      The storyline of A Useful Ghost should not be overly analyzed, as its unpredictable essence is a compelling force on its own. However, it can be noted that it weaves multiple narratives, with tales occurring within other tales, ultimately connecting to form a larger tapestry. After acquiring the aforementioned haunted vacuum cleaner to tackle dust (which has become a significant health issue in this region, adding a layer of political subtext), Wisarut Homhuan’s Academic Ladyboy is visited by repairman Krong (Wanlop Rungkumjad) for an inspection. It’s essential to highlight that this world acknowledges the existence of ghosts, with many of these spirits interacting with the living in both mischievous and humorous manners.

      From this point, Krong recounts how the vacuum became possessed initially, which relates to a series of deaths at a dubious manufacturing firm. This also brings in March’s (Wisarut Himmarat) deceased wife, Nat (Davika Hoorne), who takes over the vacuum, utilizing its suction abilities for intimacy. This allows their relationship to persist under wildly unusual yet tender conditions, resulting in March becoming estranged from his family. Their proposed remedy is electroshock therapy to help him forget his lost loved one.

      The resolution of how these narratives merge into a cohesive and ambitious whole shouldn't be revealed, but it's important to note that even when A Useful Ghost feels like it's straying from its original premise and attempting too much (often suggesting that a filmmaker believes this may be their only opportunity to create a film, so they throw in every idea they possess), Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke maintains charm and creativity.

      Tickets can be acquired here.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder

      Originally published on October 14, 2025. Updated on October 15, 2025.