Thai superstar Davika Hoorne (Heart Attack) stars in this haunting, genre‑defying debut from Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes Critics’ Week.

When his vacuum cleaner breaks down, self-described “Academic Ladyboy” (Wisarut Homhuan) enlists the help of handsome repairman Krong (Wanlop Rungkumjad). Unconvinced by the suggestion it’s haunted, they exchange flirty banter as Kong tells him the story of Nat (Hoorne), a young woman who died from suffocating on dust pollution, and returned to her grieving husband as a bright red vacuum cleaner manufactured in his family’s appliance factory. Beneath the humour and the hauntings lies a sharp queer allegory about class, family expectation and the pressure to be “useful” in a world that treats both workers and spirits as expendable. 

Blending black comedy, romance, horror and political satire into one unforgettable vision, A Useful Ghost has been celebrated for its bold visual style, retro‑futurist production design and deadpan ensemble performances. Playful yet piercing, it offers audiences a visually striking, emotionally resonant experience that lingers long after the dust – and the credits – have settled.

Actor Wisarut Homhuan in attendance for Q&A.

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