Review: Ghost Stories movie

Let me just say from the outset I don’t do horror. With this in mind you might be surprised to hear me say that Ghost Stories is one of my favourite movies this year. I know surprising hey?

Thanks to Ghost Stories

The thought of sitting inside a dark cinema on a gorgeous spring day is my idea of horror, particularly if said movie is in a genre I don’t really like. But I came prepared. Armed with a hot chocolate and a vegemite sandwich to distract me if needed I was ready.

Ghost Stories tells the story of Professor Phillip Goodman who runs a television show debunking all things paranormal.

Thanks to Ghost Stories

One day he meets his predecessor  and idol who is haunted by three cases he’s been unable to solve.

Thanks to Ghost Stories

Goodman takes up the challenge to solve them. And so begins the execution of three separate stories, each one challenging Goodman to the core.

There are several delightfully weird characters and equally unnerving settings.

Thanks to Ghost Stories

Thanks to Ghost Stories

Growing up I remember watching spooky British ghost stories on television, usually from behind the couch. Ghost Stories took me straight back to that time. As I joined the audience sitting on the edge of my seat I pondered:

1. Yes there are creepy bits but nothing that’ll make you run to your counsellor. It’s good old fashioned suspense more than horror. Very Hitchcock;
2. The acting is fantastic. While you expect that from the likes of Martin Freeman and Andy Nyman, the younger Alex Lawther is an absolute delight;
3. It’s such a shame I can’t tell you the ending as it is so, so clever. The final act turns the movie from horror to black comedy and the audience reaction was priceless. Actually the audience interaction is gold throughout the movie, it’s like you are all in this together, in a good way.
4. Don’t let the horror angle put you off this is a brilliantly clever movie.

For more information go to Luna Cinema