1/2
USA 2017
Opening December 7, 2017
Directed by: David Lowery
Writing credits: David Lowery
Principal actors: Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Kesh, Will Oldham, Brea Grant
Director David Lowey’s supernatural drama takes fresh perspective by viewing the world through the eyes of a ghost. Set in a 1950’s styled one-level house in suburbia it has quite the story to tell. Something strange but fantastic is about to happen. The young, loving couple C (Casey Affleck) and M (Rooney Mara) have their differences. M would like to move away since that’s something she always has done while C is writing music and feels comfortable in the house. Then one night they wake up to banging noises and are frightened. The next day C dies in a terrible accident.
A sheet with two cut-out holes appears and makes us laugh at first until we relealize this story is taken from the perspective of the ghost and is no ordinary ghost story. As the tale continues, we feel the empathy for the ghost who grieves, too, but has no place to go. The ghost waits, lingers and contemplates, then becomes frustrated, angry, and is unable to control his destiny. Bigger questions are asked about the spirit world through this creative ambitious supernatural tale. The music and sound play an important role in this film, produced by Daniel Hart. It sets the tone of this film. It opened at the Sundance Festival and has won several awards for capturing the perfect mood of the ghost world. Save this film for one of those dark December nights and just remember the pacing is slow since it is taken from a different perspective than human. ()