A Ghost Story (2017)

David Lowery's 2017 film, is a haunting and deeply meditative exploration of grief, time, and the cyclical nature of existence. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, its minimalist approach and deliberate pacing creating an atmosphere of profound melancholy.

Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea), under a simple white sheet with two black eyeholes, delivers a surprisingly expressive performance as "C," a recently deceased musician. His silent presence is both unsettling and poignant, a constant reminder of the lingering essence of a life abruptly ended. Rooney Mara (Carol, Nightmare Alley, Una), as "M," his grieving partner, conveys a raw vulnerability that anchors the film's emotional core.

Lowery (Peter Pan and Wendy, Pete's Dragon) masterfully utilises long, static takes, allowing the viewer to absorb the subtle shifts in emotion and the slow passage of time. The film's 4:3 aspect ratio further enhances this sense of intimacy and isolation, drawing the viewer into the confined space of the house, which becomes a character in itself. The house, a silent witness to both joy and sorrow, becomes a stage for C's spectral observation.

The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, blurring the lines between past, present, and future. We witness M's initial devastation, her attempts to move on, and the subsequent occupation of the house by new residents. Through C's ghostly perspective, we see the echoes of lives lived and lost, the repetitive patterns of human experience.

One of the film's most memorable scenes involves M eating an entire pie, a moment of raw, unadulterated grief captured in a single, unbroken take. It's a testament to Mara's talent and Lowery's commitment to capturing the visceral reality of emotional pain.

The film is not horror (or even, ironically, a ghost story) in the conventional sense. It's a quiet, introspective journey into the heart of loss, a meditation on the ephemeral nature of existence. The film challenges viewers to confront their own mortality and consider the enduring power of memory and connection. While its deliberate pacing and abstract storytelling may not appeal to all audiences, those willing to surrender to its hypnotic rhythm will find themselves rewarded with a profoundly moving experience.

The film's strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of melancholic beauty, reminding us that even in the face of oblivion, the echoes of our lives continue to resonate through time. Available at time of writing via some streaming services in the UK. Review by me, assisted by Gemini.