Experience three spine-tingling tales of terror to haunt your dreams. A debunker of all things paranormal, Professor Phillip Goodman (Andy Nyman) has devoted his life to exposing phony psychics and fraudulent supernatural shenanigans on his own television show. His skepticism is put to the test, however, when he receives a file of three chilling, inexplicable cases: a night watchman (Paul Whitehouse) haunted by disturbing visions as he patrols an abandoned asylum; an edgy young man (Black Mirror’s Alex Lawther) involved in a hellish car accident deep in the woods; and a wealthy former banker (Sherlock’s Martin Freeman) visited by the poltergeist spirit of his unborn child. Even scarier: each of the these macabre stories seems to have a sinister connection to Professor Goodman’s own life. Will they make a believer of him yet?
Ghost Stories is writer/directors Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson adaptation of their acclaimed play of the same name. The play has been notable for it’s twisting plot and numerous jump scares, elements the film has done its best to retain.
With the original stage play, audiences were asked to not share details of the plot as to preserve the experience for future attendees. Respecting these same wishes when it comes to the film, I’m just going to give a brief sketch of the story. The film has an anthology structure that features three stories with a wrap around. The wrap around finds noted skeptic, and psychic buster, Professor Phillip Goodman (played by Nyman) being contacted by his idol. Charles Cameron had made a name for himself exposing the truth behind claims of supernatural phenomena before mysteriously disappearing. Goodman is told by Cameron that he is now a believer and that it would be wise for Goodman to see the light as well. He gives Goodman the names of three men whose stories he believes will convince him.
The film’s roots as a play are quite evident throughout as several characters deliver substantial monologues in relaying their experiences. That being said, Nyman and Dyson never fail to take advantage of the film medium to enhance these long sections of dialogue. Adding into that are the strong performances from Whitehouse, Lawther, and particularly Freeman who each fill the screen with their own unique charisma.
A great deal of praise goes to cinematographer Ole Bratt Birkeland. Ghost Stories is a gorgeous looking film with a fantastic mix of indoor and outdoor scenes that all look spectacular. And when combined Nyman and Dyson’s word and composer Haim Frank Iffman’s haunting score, this film never fails to set the right mood.
Ghost Stories has great moments of fright and certainly leads down unexpected paths.
