The highly anticipated film “A Useful Ghost,” directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, is set to release in U.S. theaters on January 16, 2026. Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, this unique romantic comedy explores the complex relationship between a Thai man and a vacuum cleaner inhabited by the spirit of his deceased wife. While the premise may raise eyebrows, the film promises much more than mere shock value.
“A Useful Ghost” begins with a memorable opening line: “Mere particles of dust in the air changed my ladyboy life forever.” This sets the tone for a story that deftly intertwines humor with poignant themes. The protagonist, March (played by Witsarut Himmarat), operates a successful vacuum cleaner factory in Thailand. His life takes a tragic turn when his beloved wife, Nat (portrayed by Davika Hoorne), dies due to dust poisoning in the factory.
After her death, Nat’s spirit returns in a rather unconventional form—possessing one of March’s vacuums. Their relationship resumes, blending emotional intimacy with the absurdity of the situation. Nat’s return is not merely for personal reasons; she has a mission to cleanse the factory of harmful dust particles that contributed to her demise. This twist introduces significant challenges for March and his traditional family, who are already grappling with the complexities of accepting his brother’s sexuality.
The film navigates the delicate balance between love and familial duty. Boonbunchachoke’s direction ensures that the humor never undermines the emotional undercurrents. One standout moment features the deadpan line, “I’m less worried about the fever than the fact that he made out with a vacuum cleaner.” This blend of levity and sincerity creates a rich narrative that invites audiences to reflect on the invisible laborers often overlooked in society.
Boonbunchachoke adeptly establishes a set of internal rules for this fantastical world, allowing viewers to invest emotionally in the characters rather than focusing solely on the oddity of the premise. In this universe, reincarnation as a vacuum cleaner, while rare, is not altogether shocking. The family’s prior experience with a sentient vacuum adds to their reluctance to embrace this new reality, highlighting their struggle to adapt to the unexpected.
The film’s exploration of traditional Eastern cultural values further enriches the narrative. The love that drives Nat to return and the genuine happiness her presence brings to March are, unfortunately, overshadowed by the family’s focus on maintaining their image. This tension forms the emotional core of “A Useful Ghost,” as Nat strives to prove her worth to her former in-laws while addressing the safety of the factory.
Critics have drawn comparisons between “A Useful Ghost” and the works of renowned Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, noting the film’s inventive approach to storytelling. While it shares thematic elements with Weerasethakul’s films, “A Useful Ghost” maintains a brisk pace that distinguishes it from more meditative narratives.
Boonbunchachoke’s debut is a testament to his talent and potential within the international film community. As one of the highest-profile Thai films to premiere at Cannes in recent years, “A Useful Ghost” is poised to leave a lasting impact. Festival-goers and audiences alike can look forward to experiencing a fresh voice in cinema that combines humor with heartfelt storytelling.
With its unique premise and engaging performances, “A Useful Ghost” invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries of love and the significance of duty in the face of extraordinary circumstances. The film is expected to resonate with audiences when it hits theaters in early 2026.
