A Masterful Blend of Comedy and Drama Explores Human Condition Through Magic Realism

Debut director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke's 'A Useful Ghost' is a masterful blend of comedy and drama that explores the human condition through magic realism and farce.

Unconventional Storytelling

The film's framing device, credited as the Academic Ladyboy, brings home a haunted vacuum cleaner, sucking the viewer into its intriguing world.

As the narrative unfolds, the audience is treated to a dead wife's ghost disrupting the dynamics of a family that's part of the Thai elite. The director's flair for comedy shines through in a sleazy riot of a scene early on, subverting multiple tropes with one single scene.

However, as the tone shifts midway, the viewer is reminded of darker chapters in contemporary Thai history, including violence that pervaded the 2010s. The comedic scenes are often followed by visceral markers like blood splatters and authoritarian figures snooping on unsuspecting characters.

The cinematographer Pasit Tandaechanurat's camerawork and Chaibovon Seelukwa's background score seamlessly transition from dreamy to dreadful, creating a jarring disregard for convention. The frequent silent era-style iris shot transitions add to the film's unique atmosphere.

Powerful Performances

The performances in 'A Useful Ghost' anchor the film, with Davika Hoorne and Apasiri Nitibhon delivering phenomenal turns as the titular ghost and her character, respectively. The actors bring a depth and nuance to their roles, making the film's exploration of queerness all the more impactful.

A Love Letter to Love

At its core, 'A Useful Ghost' is a powerful love letter to love itself. Boonbunchachoke tries to answer the question of what happens when memories are turned into stories for others. The film finds a new home in our collective memories, where they can be cherished and shared.