🪶 Story & Synopsis
David Lowery’s “A Ghost Story” is a haunting and contemplative film that delves into themes of existentialism, loss, and the passage of time. The story follows a recently deceased man, played by Casey Affleck, who returns as a ghost to his suburban home to watch over his bereft wife, portrayed by Rooney Mara. However, as a spectral figure, he becomes trapped in a purgatorial state, forced to witness the gradual unraveling of the life he once knew and the woman he loves.
The film presents ghosthood as an in-between existence, where individuals cling to the remnants of their past lives, unable to move on. Through the lens of this ghostly protagonist, the audience is invited to ponder the nature of memory, legacy, and the inevitability of loss. The ghost’s silent presence serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of human existence and the enduring power of love and connection.
Throughout the movie, director David Lowery skillfully weaves together moments of quiet introspection with profound meditations on the human experience. The cinematography by Andrew Droz Palermo captures the eerie beauty of the ghost’s world, while Daniel Hart’s evocative score enhances the film’s ethereal atmosphere.
One of the film’s standout scenes features a poignant monologue by a party guest, played by Will Oldham, reflecting on humanity’s futile quest for immortality through art and memory. This monologue serves as a sobering reminder of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
As the ghost grapples with his own existence and the passage of time, the audience is taken on a profound journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The film’s enigmatic ending, where the ghost finally finds closure and is freed from his time loop, leaves viewers with a sense of catharsis and contemplation.
Overall, “A Ghost Story” is a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of what it means to be human, to love, and to let go. It challenges viewers to confront their own mortality and the fleeting nature of life, while also offering a glimmer of hope and redemption in the face of loss.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Liz Franke, Rob Zabrecky, Will Oldham, Sonia Acevedo
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Casey Affleck | C |
| Rooney Mara | M |
| Kenneisha Thompson | Doctor |
| Liz Cardenas Franke | Linda |
| Barlow Jacobs | Gentleman Caller |
| Sonia Acevedo | Maria |
| Carlos Bermudez | Carlos |
| Yasmina Gutierrez | Yasmina |
| Kesha Sebert | Spirit Girl |
| Jared Kopf | Magician |
| Will Oldham | Prognosticator |
| Brea Grant | Clara |
| Augustine Frizzell | Clara’s Wife Who is Writing a Book |
| Jonny Mars | Oversharing Man |
| Rob Zabrecky | Pioneer Man |
| Sara Tomerlin | Pioneer Woman |
| Margot Tomerlin | Pioneer Child |
| Sylvie Tomerlin | Pioneer Child |
| Savanna Walsh | Pioneer Child |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Have you ever felt like a ghost, haunting the back corners of your mind, saving room for grief just in case you need it? Well, David Lowery’s “A Ghost Story” takes this concept to a whole new level. It’s not your typical horror movie despite its title; instead, it delves deep into heavy themes of existentialism and loss across infinite time.
The film follows a white-sheeted ghost haunting his wife after his untimely death, exploring the futility of human legacy. Through a mesmerizing time loop, “A Ghost Story” reflects on immortality through memories and the enduring impact of legacy. It is a poignant portrayal of grief, love, and loss that will tug at your heartstrings and make you ponder the essence of existence.
One of the most striking aspects of the movie is its ability to capture the beauty in sorrow. It showcases how every moment of love is intertwined with a shadow of grief, creating a profound and emotional viewing experience.
- Acting and Characters: Casey Affleck delivers a haunting performance as the ghost, conveying emotions through subtle gestures beneath the white sheet. Rooney Mara’s portrayal of his grieving wife is equally moving, adding depth to their eternal connection.
- Direction: David Lowery’s direction imbues the film with a dream-like quality, using long takes and minimal dialogue to immerse viewers in the ghost’s silent journey through time.
- Cinematography: The cinematography in “A Ghost Story” is breathtaking, with lingering shots that capture both the mundane and the extraordinary moments in life.
- Score: Daniel Hart’s lush and evocative score enhances the emotional resonance of the film, enveloping viewers in its melancholic atmosphere.
Binge-watching Tip: Make sure to watch this movie with an open heart and mind. Let yourself be swept away by its meditative pace and introspective storytelling.
“A Ghost Story” invites audiences to reflect on their own mortality and contemplate the legacy they leave behind. It challenges us to consider what truly matters in life and how we grapple with loss over time. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll, then this film is definitely worth watching.
So, grab some tissues, prepare to contemplate life’s fleeting nature, and immerse yourself in this emotional masterpiece that beautifully captures the essence of human existence.
Rating: 9/10
In conclusion, “A Ghost Story” is not just a movie; it’s an emotional journey that will stay with you far beyond its runtime. It reminds us that even in death, our presence echoes through time like a ghostly whisper—a poignant reminder of our shared humanity amidst life’s transient beauty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful representation of grief, love, and loss | Contains brief moments of strong violence |
| Explores heavy themes of existentialism and loss | Not a horror movie despite the title |
| Reflects on immortality through memories | Graphic decomposition scenes |
| Artistic portrayal of human legacy | Divisive film that may not appeal to all viewers |
| Emotional masterpiece | Slow-paced and lingering narrative |
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A Ghost Story - Wikipedia
92 minutes Country United States Languages - English
- Spanish
Budget $100,000 Box office $2 million A Ghost Storyis a 2017 American supernatural drama film written and directed by David Lowery and starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara, with Will Oldham, Liz Cardenas Franke, Sonia Acevedo, and Rob Zabrecky in supporting roles. It is about a man who becomes a ghost and remains in the house he shared with his wife.
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A Ghost Story (2017) - IMDb
- SoumikBanerjee1996
- Jun 22, 2023
- How long is A Ghost Story?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Історія примари
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $100,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,596,371
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $104,030
- Jul 9, 2017
- Gross worldwide
- $1,951,683
- Runtime1 hour 32 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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A Ghost Story movie review & film summary (2017) | Roger Ebert
Now streaming on:I rarely see a movie so original that I want to tell people to just see it without reading any reviews beforehand, including my own. David Lowery’s “A Ghost Story” is one of those movies. So I’m urging you in the first paragraph of this review to just see it and save this review for later. If you want more information, read on. There are no spoiler warnings after this because as far as I’m concerned, everything I could say about this film would constitute a spoiler.
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A Ghost Story | Official Trailer HD | A24 - YouTube
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A Ghost Story | Rotten Tomatoes
A Ghost Storydeftly manages its ambitious themes through an inventive, artful, and ultimately poignant exploration of love and loss.
A Ghost StoryWhere to WatchA Ghost Story
Watch A Ghost Story with a subscription on Max, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
David LoweryDirectorCasey AffleckCRooney MaraMKenneisha ThompsonDoctorGrover CoulsonMan in WheelchairLiz CardenasLinda
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In “A Ghost Story,” director David Lowery crafts a poignant and introspective narrative that delves deep into the themes of loss, grief, time, and the impact individuals have on the world even after they’re gone. The film follows the journey of C (played by Casey Affleck) who, after dying in a car crash, chooses to remain on Earth as a ghost draped in a simple white sheet with eyeholes, watching over his wife M (Rooney Mara) as she grieves and eventually moves on.
The ending of “A Ghost Story” takes a circular and profound turn, encapsulating the cyclical nature of time and the enduring legacy of human existence. After haunting the subsequent inhabitants of the house in which he resided with M, C’s ghost witnesses the demolition of the house and the rise of a skyscraper in its place. In a symbolic act, C ascends to the top of the skyscraper and jumps off, only to find himself transported back to the land’s early settlement days. Time loops back to when a living version of C buys the house with M, revealing the strains in their relationship and C’s eventual acquiescence to M’s desire to move.
The pivotal moment arrives when another iteration of C, now a ghost, interacts with the ghost of the C we’ve followed throughout the movie. This encounter allows C to finally retrieve and read the note left by M, leading to his disappearance and the dropping of his ghostly sheet. This poignant conclusion beautifully ties together the themes of memory, legacy, and the enduring impact of individuals on the world.
Throughout the film, “A Ghost Story” intricately weaves a narrative that explores the profound effects of grief and absence following a loss. By embodying C as a literal ghost, the movie symbolizes how the presence of a departed loved one continues to resonate in the lives of those left behind. The film poignantly illustrates how even in death, individuals leave behind a lasting imprint on the world, with their influence reverberating through memories, small gestures, and seemingly insignificant moments that carry immense significance.
Ultimately, “A Ghost Story” serves as a meditation on the enduring nature of human connection, the cyclical passage of time, and the subtle yet profound ways in which individuals shape the world long after they’re gone. It invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of grief, memory, and the eternal impact of our existence, painting a deeply moving and contemplative portrait of life, loss, and the transcendent power of human connection.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
R
Age Rating: A Ghost Story is rated R for brief language and a scene of violence.
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity: The movie contains mild sexual content. A clothed couple is shown in bed hugging and kissing. At a party, a couple is seen kissing and closing a bedroom door, implying a sexual encounter. There is a scene where a man and woman are in bed naked under the covers, but no nudity is shown.
Violence & Gore: There is minimal violence in the film, with only one scene depicting violence. The scene is brief and not overly graphic.
Profanity: The movie has brief language use.
Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: There are no instances of alcohol, drugs, or smoking shown in the movie.
Intense Scenes: A Ghost Story is a supernatural drama that deals with themes of love, loss, grief, and mortality. The film’s contemplative nature and emotional depth may be more suitable for mature audiences. It is not recommended for children or young teens due to its disturbing scenes and the level of concentration required to appreciate its themes.
Recommended Age: A Ghost Story is suitable for viewers aged 17 and above due to its mature themes and emotional content.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Prime Video | A Ghost Story is available for rental on Prime Video. A white-sheeted ghost (Casey Affleck) returns to his suburban home to find that he has become unstuck in time. Also starring Rooney Mara. |
| Hulu | A Ghost Story is available for streaming on Hulu. In this meditative supernatural tale, a dead man’s spirit returns to his home only to find himself stuck in time. |
| HBO | A Ghost Story can be watched on HBO. In this unique and heartfelt ‘ghost’ story, a dead man’s spirit returns to his home only to find himself stuck in time. Starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
We build our legacy piece by piece and maybe the whole world will remember you or maybe just a couple of people, but you do what you can to make sure you're still around after you're gone.
Hello.
Hi.
I'm waiting for someone.
Who?
When I was little and we used to move all the time, I'd write these notes and I would fold them up really small. And I would hide them.
They're just things I wanted to remember so that if I ever wanted to go back, there'd be a piece of me there waiting.
A writer writes a novel, a songwriter writes a song, we do what we can to endure.
What is it you like about this house so much?
History.
🤖A Ghost Story Reddit Talks
A Ghost Story: Exploring Existentialism and Loss
David Lowery’s “A Ghost Story” is a profound exploration of existentialism and loss, stretching across an infinite expanse of time. The film follows a nameless ghost, draped in a white sheet, as he haunts his former suburban home, watching over his grieving wife. Through a time-bending narrative, the movie delves into the futility of human legacy and the enduring impact of memories.
Themes of Existentialism and Loss
At its core, “A Ghost Story” grapples with the fundamental questions of human existence. The ghost’s inability to communicate or interact with the world around him highlights the isolation and loneliness of death. As he witnesses his wife’s life continue without him, he confronts the ephemeral nature of human relationships and the inevitable passage of time.
The Power of Memories
Despite his spectral existence, the ghost remains connected to his wife through memories. The film explores how memories shape our lives, both in life and beyond. The ghost’s longing to retrieve a note his wife left behind becomes a poignant symbol of his desire to find meaning in his afterlife.
The Fleeting Nature of Life
“A Ghost Story” confronts the harsh reality of life’s brevity. Through the ghost’s perspective, we witness the cyclical nature of existence, from the birth of stars to the collapse of civilizations. The film challenges us to contemplate the significance of our own lives and the legacy we leave behind.
Slow Pace and Contemplative Nature
The film’s slow pace and meditative quality demand patience and contemplation from viewers. It is not a movie that spoon-feeds answers but rather invites us to reflect on our own mortality and the mysteries of life and death.
Critical Reception
“A Ghost Story” has received mixed reviews, with some praising its thought-provoking themes and stunning visuals, while others found it pretentious and slow-moving. However, the film has resonated deeply with many viewers, who appreciate its unique approach to exploring existentialism and loss.
Unanswered Questions
The film deliberately leaves certain questions unanswered, such as the contents of the note the ghost seeks. These ambiguities encourage viewers to engage in their own interpretations and discussions, adding to the film’s depth and staying power.
Overall, “A Ghost Story” is a challenging and rewarding cinematic experience that invites us to confront our own mortality, appreciate the preciousness of life, and find solace in the memories we create.
Top discussions
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of the movie “A Ghost Story”?
The movie “A Ghost Story” explores heavy themes of existentialism and loss across infinite time. It follows a white-sheeted ghost haunting his wife and delves into the futility of human legacy, reflecting on immortality through memories and legacy’s enduring impact.
Is it worth watching A Ghost Story?
Yes, it is worth watching. It is art through film, and it is the most beautiful representation of grief, love, and loss. The movie delves into deep emotions and offers a unique perspective on life and death.
What is the movie Ghost Story about?
Although not a horror movie, it deals with strong themes like violence, loss, and the passage of time. It follows a man who becomes a ghost and remains in the house he shared with his wife, reflecting on the impact of their relationship even after death.
Why is A Ghost Story rated R?
The movie is rated R due to its depiction of violence, including a dead body in a car crash and a family slaughtered by arrows. The film also shows bloodstains, decomposing bodies, and other graphic elements.
What happened at the end of A Ghost Story?
At the end of the film, the ghost finally retrieves his wife’s note. Upon reading it, he is freed from the time loop and immediately disappears. The contents of the note are left undisclosed, leaving an air of mystery.
Where is A Ghost Story filmed?
The movie was filmed in the Irving-Dallas area in Texas, where director David Lowery grew up. The setting adds a personal touch to the film, enhancing the themes of existentialism and loss portrayed in the story.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Ghost: Uncredited remake of “Ghost”. Dead man’s spirit, unable to bear separation from his wife, communicates to her through a wacky medium.
- Ghost Story: Based on the 1979 novel of the same name by Peter Straub, it follows a group of elderly businessmen in New England who gather to recount their involvement in a woman’s death decades prior when one of them suspects her ghost has been haunting him.
- Ghost Town: An English dentist (Ricky Gervais) living in Manhattan starts to see and hear ghosts, who won’t leave him alone until he agrees to sort out a few things for them.
- Ernest Scared Stupid: Finding a ghost named Ernest haunting their new home turns Kevin’s family into overnight social media sensations.
- Casper (1995): Casper is a friendly and good-natured ghost who befriends a young girl.
- The Sixth Sense (1999): While there are some scary moments in this movie, it revolves around a boy who can see and communicate with ghosts.
- Woodshock: A visually stunning film that delves into themes of loss and grief.
- Mother!: A psychological horror film that explores themes of love, loss, and legacy in a unique and disturbing way.
- The Killing of a Sacred Deer: A dark and twisted tale of revenge and sacrifice that will leave viewers questioning morality and fate.
- The Conjuring: Based on true events, this film follows paranormal investigators as they try to help a family haunted by a dark presence.
- Insidious: The Red Door: A supernatural horror film that explores the boundaries between the living and the dead.
- What Dreams May Come (1998): A visually stunning film that explores the afterlife and the power of love and redemption.
- Swiss Army Man (2016): A unique and surreal film that explores themes of loneliness, love, and the human experience.
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