Posted in: Kaitlyn Booth, Movies, Review | Tagged: a ghost story, film, HRL, Review

'A Ghost Story' Review: A Fascinating And Moving Look At The Afterlife

A Ghost Story approaches the common question of "what happens after we die?" and presents an interesting look through the eyes of someone standing under a sheet.

Director: David Lowery
Summary: In this singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased, white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to try to reconnect with his bereft wife.

A Ghost Story is not a movie that everyone is going to like. In fact, there are lots of reasons to tear it apart, but there are times when you have to consider the overall experience. This is not the movie you're going to expect, judging not only by the title, but the first few minutes. It tells the story of a loved one passing away who stays behind, but who cannot seem to understand why they couldn't move on. It's a hard movie to review, because going in knowing as little as possible is the way to go.

This is not a horror movie, but more of a sober look at what happens when someone dies. Unlike most movies that look at the afterlife, there isn't the preachy level of "you need to find religion" or "you need to save your soul" that often accompanies movies of that nature.

While it is sad, it isn't incredibly depressing. The first half is a bit strange, as you are trying to figure out exactly what this movie wants to accomplish. But once it makes a certain turn, which I will not spoil, the entire production moves from pretentious to damn-near brilliant.

The overall feel of the movie is not going to be for everyone. The design of the ghosts is hilarious, though you are left wondering if that was intentional. The design doesn't take away from the tone of the film, though, and sometimes it walks the line of feeling a little too self-important. It looks silly and isn't self-aware, so you're left wondering how seriously you're supposed to be taking things. There are even a few laugh-out-loud moments that don't feel like they should be funny, but are.

A Ghost Story is a movie you're either going to love or hate, but if you're able to get your head around the entire concept and feeling, it will stay with you.

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