A Useful Ghost is one of the most well-written films in the Chicago International Film Festival. The film benefits fromcreative direction and a skillful use of personification in a story in which a widower is desperate for attention. Haunted vacuums are falling apart in this entertaining movie written and directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, I found this film to have heart and an aftermath of dazzling karma. There is almost more disconnect than imaginable because A Useful Ghost has lots to “imagine.”

The film’s main character is March (Wisarut Himmarat), and his wife is Nat (Davika Hoorne). He sees her in his dreams a lot. She may be gone, but apparently, she comes to life as a vacuum. These vacuums stir up much mayhem in a factory which cause a whirlwind of problems among other individuals. The setting is Thailand, and there are many cultural moments in this film, including some that are challenging. The word “useful” in the title is meaningful because it indicates there may be help in circumstances where people are struggling.

The film may seem silly, but I appreciated its invigorating ability to bring lightness especially for the widower. It also brings out the light in others who face devastating moments. A Useful Ghost is one of the most audacious and promising films in the Chicago International Film Festival. It begins with a vacuum, and then many changes and events cause things to spiral out of control. The film’s writing evokes empathy for the characters struggling in the story. The cinematic creativity is a force of nature. Four out of four stars for A Useful Ghost.