A Useful Ghost

A Useful Ghost (2026): A Surprisingly Sweet and Spooky-ish Treat

1. Introduction

When I first saw the title 'A Useful Ghost' pop up for a new movie, I admit, my interest was immediately piqued. Would it be a quirky comedy? A heartwarming family drama? Or something a little more spooky than the title suggested? Well, having just settled down with a big bowl of popcorn and finally watched it, I can confidently say it’s a delightful blend of all the good things, leaning heavily on the heartwarming and the wonderfully quirky. This isn't your typical scare-fest, but rather a charming, often funny, and surprisingly touching story that I think a lot of people, young and old, will really enjoy. It left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, which is always a good sign!

2. Story Overview

The film introduces us to the Miller family: busy parents Sarah and Mark, their imaginative ten-year-old daughter Lily, and their somewhat cynical fourteen-year-old son Tom. Like many families, they’re navigating the daily chaos of work, school, and trying to keep their household running smoothly. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they inherit an old, slightly rundown Victorian house from a distant relative. Moving into the creaky old place, they soon discover they're not quite alone. Living in the attic (and occasionally wandering through walls) is Jasper, a rather gentle and slightly bumbling ghost who’s been residing there for centuries.

The twist? Jasper isn't scary at all. In fact, he’s quite lost, having forgotten his original purpose and just drifting through eternity. He’s more confused by modern technology than menacing! The core of the story revolves around the Millers, particularly Lily, attempting to help Jasper remember who he was and find a new "use" for himself in the modern world. In return, Jasper, with his unique abilities and sometimes comical misunderstandings, inadvertently helps the family deal with their own everyday struggles, from Tom’s friendship woes to Sarah and Mark’s stress about renovating their new home. It’s a lovely tale about finding connection in the most unlikely of places.

3. Main Characters & Performances

The cast really brings this story to life. Sarah Miller, played by the ever-dependable Clara Thompson, is the warm, pragmatic mom who tries to find logic in the supernatural. Her subtle expressions of disbelief slowly turning into acceptance were really well done. David O’Connell as Mark Miller, the slightly overwhelmed dad, provides a lot of the grounded humor, initially trying to explain away every ghostly encounter with plumbing issues. He’s the perfect skeptical foil.

But it’s the kids who truly shine. Young Maya Lee as Lily is absolutely enchanting. Her open-hearted curiosity and unwavering belief in Jasper drive much of the plot, and her scenes with the ghost are genuinely sweet. Ethan Black as Tom, the older brother, manages to perfectly capture that teenage blend of eye-rolling skepticism and a secret desire for something magical to happen. His gradual softening towards Jasper felt very natural and believable.

And then there's Jasper, the ghost himself, voiced and motion-captured by veteran character actor Simon Vance. Vance gives Jasper a wonderful, slightly melancholic but ultimately endearing personality. His timing for both physical comedy (like accidentally dropping things or floating through walls at inconvenient moments) and heartfelt lines is impeccable. The CGI for Jasper is also fantastic, making him feel ethereal yet very much a part of the family’s world.

4. What Works Well

First off, the concept itself is just brilliant. A non-scary, slightly bewildered ghost who needs help from humans is such a refreshing take on the classic ghost story. It immediately sets a unique, gentle tone. The humor is another huge strong point; it’s largely observational and character-driven, stemming from Jasper's attempts to navigate a world he barely understands, which led to quite a few genuine laughs from me.

The film does an excellent job of balancing the fantastical elements with real-world family dynamics. The struggles the Millers face, from renovating an old house to dealing with school drama, feel incredibly relatable. The way Jasper subtly influences and helps them, often without fully understanding how, adds a lovely layer of magic to everyday problems. The visuals are also great – the old house has bags of character, and Jasper's translucent, slightly shimmering design is just right, making him feel present without being overtly "spooky." The overall message about finding your purpose and the importance of family connection resonated deeply.

5. What Could Be Improved

While 'A Useful Ghost' is genuinely enjoyable, it’s not without a few minor points that could have been refined. The plot, while charming, does follow a fairly predictable arc. If you’re looking for surprising twists and turns, this might not be the movie for you, as many of the story beats feel familiar. Additionally, some of the resolutions felt a tad too neat and tidy, especially towards the very end. I thought a tiny bit more struggle or consequence for the family’s actions would have added another layer of depth, making the ultimate triumph feel even more earned. A few of the side characters, like Tom's friends or a nosy neighbor, felt a little underdeveloped and could have added more to the world-building if they had more screen time. But honestly, these are small quibbles in an otherwise very solid film.

6. Overall Entertainment Value

'A Useful Ghost' is truly a feel-good movie in the best sense of the word. It's the kind of film you can curl up on the couch with on a rainy afternoon and just lose yourself in its gentle charm. It's perfect for families looking for something everyone can enjoy – there’s enough light humor for the kids, relatable family moments for the parents, and a touching story that can spark good conversations afterwards. I found myself smiling throughout, and even shed a little tear during one particularly sweet moment. It's not a loud, flashy blockbuster, but it’s quietly captivating and leaves you feeling warm and uplifted. Definitely a movie that encourages you to believe in a little bit of magic in the everyday.

7. Final Verdict

So, should you watch 'A Useful Ghost'? Absolutely! It’s a beautifully crafted, sincere, and often hilarious film that successfully reinvents the ghost story for a new generation. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the most helpful things come in the most unexpected packages, and that finding your purpose often means helping others. If you’re looking for a dose of warmth, a good laugh, and a story with a lot of heart, then this film is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good family fantasy or just needs a cheerful escape.