Ghost Stories - movie review

Ghost Stories

Plot: Arch skeptic Professor Phillip Goodman embarks upon a terror-filled quest when he stumbles across a long-lost file containing details of three cases of inexplicable 'hauntings'.
Cast: Andy Newman, Martin Freeman, Alex Lawther
Directors: Jeremy Dyson & Andy Newman
Certificate: 15 (strong horror, language)
Runtime: 1hr 38 mins
Release Date: Friday 6th April 2018

"The brain sees what it wants to see." That's the phrase that paranormal debunker, Phillip Goodman, lives by as he investigates a variety of supernatural cases in the hope of proving them wrong. However, it's when a former investigator, that Goodman used to idolize, reaches out to him in an effort to explain three cases that seem unexplainable, that his life is changed forever. Ghost Stories was originally a stage production on the West End. I was fortunate enough to see the show and I was gobsmacked at how terrifying the experience was. Dyson and Newman, who also directed the film, created a multi-sensory experience that preyed on all kinds of fear. When a film adaption was announced, I was initially sceptical to see how it would translate from the stage onto the screen because much of the horror relied on theatrical techniques. Fortunately, I can reveal, wholeheartedly, that Ghost Stories shifts perfectly onto the big screen and is an absolute must for any horror fans that are looking for something fresh and different.

Never trust a Toyota.

Ghost Stories is anything but your typical horror film. Refrain from expecting a constant barrage of jumpscares or a reliance in gore. Just like the show, it's horror relies on the psychological. There are a few occasional jumpscares but they're mostly well earned and add that bit extra to the overall horror. Otherwise, it's all about the build up. Dyson and Newman have an incredible talent for creating a brooding and creepy atmosphere that sets you on edge immediately. In one story, focusing on Paul Whitehouse as a night watchman, simply the dark and dreary corridors and vast underground spaces will get your heart beating considerably faster. Their style of horror doesn't match the typical Hollywood model as they deploy a more methodical approach rather than being bombarded with unoriginal scares. We first meet Phillip Goodman (Newman) as he crashes a faux psychic show for his own television programme. Soon after, he is contacted by famed psychological investigator, Charles Cameron who tasks Goodman with solving three individual cases that seem to defy everything they could ever believe in. One story is of a night watchman hearing unsettling noises during his shift. Alex Lawther, from The End Of The F***ing World fame, is the focus of the second story as a teenager who, whilst driving back from a party, is stranded in the woods where he begins to see things in the shadows. The final story is centered on Martin Freeman as a business executive who appears to have the perfect life until his wife gives birth and things take an unfortunate turn for the worst. Out of all three of these stories, my personal favourite is Lawther's (as it was for the live show), simply because, having just started to drive myself, it's the story that I can resonate with most. Lawther continues to be an astonishing presence no matter what he stars in. For Ghost Stories, he plays a deeply disturbed young man that has suffered greatly from his supposed supernatural encounter. Through his manner, uncomfortable erratic behaviour and body language, Lawther never lets the mystery slip and keeps you intrigued and unsettled at the same time. I'm calling it now. Many years down the line, we will be introducing Alex Lawther as an Academy Award winner. Mark my words.

Watson was fed up of Sherlock's pranks on him.

FACT: Filmed over the Halloween weekend of 2016 in Roundhay Park, Leeds.

Martin Freeman is always reliable to commit to whatever performance he's giving but in Ghost Stories, he really goes above and beyond with his character. The movie prides itself on the secrets and twists it keeps close to its chest so to reveal any more about his character would be a disservice to the movie. All I can say is that Freeman unearths a wild and unpredictable characterisation ability resulting in him completely disappearing into the role. Whenever he was on screen, Freeman dominated every single second. The film also would not have worked if our lead, Professor Philip Goodman, was not played confidently but Newman is a great choice. Obviously he helped create it all but he really delves into the psyche of Goodman suggesting that he's formulated his own backstory for the character without the need of telling us everything. Newman grounds the film in harsh reality and resists the urge to go over-the-top with his performance. Sadly, there is a weak link in the bunch. I've never been a big fan of Paul Whitehouse and whilst his story may have given me the odd heebie jeebies, Whitehouse himself stood out like a sore thumb compared to the calibre of the other actors. He never expressed any depth nor complexity that the others boasted so strongly. Instead, he was a generic geezer at the local pub with a pint in his hand. There is also one particular character, who shall remain nameless in this review for the sake of spoilers, that is covered is prosthetic makeup but unfortunately, is clearly noticeable. Whether it was intentional from the filmmakers point of view or simply a mishap, it reminded me more of Johnny Knoxville as the Bad Grandpa. I also happen to think that seeing the live show beforehand was both a blessing and a curse. The show may have been tremendous and a masterclass in psychological horror, but when it came to seeing the film, all of the twists that blew my mind watching it live, failed to impact upon. Obviously, if you've never seen the show then you'll be having to pick your jaw up from the floor as the film nears its conclusion but for someone who knew exactly where it was heading, I couldn't help but feel that they dragged out the mystery for far too long.

Never. Stop. For hitchhikers.

As a fan of the show and of psychological horror in general, this is a magnificently harrowing experience. With some brilliant performances from the primary cast, a keen sense of suspense and a plot that will leave you questioning everything, Ghost Stories will unsettle you in the best way possible. All that I ask for you to do during the film is to pay the utmost attention to everything. Remember, the brain see waht is wnats to see...

My Verdict: 8/10

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