As children, everyone probably has their fair share of stories or stupid things they’ve done. Growing up, my dad told me a story about something that he had experienced as a child. To truly understand this story, you need to know that my father’s side of the family literally grew up in the middle of nowhere. It was about as rural as you can get. My dad proceeds to tell me this story about how him and his friends were playing in a graveyard. The reason as to why seems to allude me at the time of writing this article. Though, he had been convinced to do something to one of the graves. Dig it up or mess it with it in someway. My father got home that night, probably no more than 8 or 9 at the time, and says he started to see some weird things. It was a dry evening and he said his family swing started to swing on its own. Upon this sighting, he made the confession to my grandfather and from that, my father learned of the afterlife. Whether the story is true or just something that a parent told their child to keep them from doing something stupid – there are several stories that align with this one. Maybe it’s not just a ghost story.
Such is the theme of the horror movie, Ghost in the Graveyard. The film opens up on a game played by children in which is basically a more macabre version of Hide and Seek. Though, it’s in the game that the film’s lead protagonist, Sally Sullivan (Kelli Berglund), is “marked” by the haunting of her childhood friend, Martha (Shiloh Verrico). The plot has more to offer than a mere ghost story. Though, it does take a while to find its’ voice. Throughout its duration, Ghost, feels like mistaken identity. The big twist of the third act feels so delayed. That by the time we actually get the “big” twist, it feels boring and contrived. The narrative does keep audiences guessing and tries to create clues but such plot devices are terrible and easy giveaways and ultimately cost the film its surprise factor.
For a ghost movie that hinges greatly on PTSD, the film massively misses what it’s trying to say. Choosing to lean into ghost stories & horror movies tropes rather than fleshing out the character’s psychological issues. Ghost feels like its breathes more into choosing to be popular rather than actually be an individual. Its’ never quite sure of its identity. Large part of that also comes from its cast. While Berglund, quite literally steals the show in every frame that she is in – the same can’t be sat for the other cast. In some ways, the acting of the majority of the cast feels like this should be a b-movie. Which in the end makes Berglund looks all the better for her portrayal of tortured soul, Sally Sullivan. Jake Busey’s Charlie Sullivan is a close second in performances. Busey delivers a tortured, charming yet emotional performance that stands out largely within the cast.
Overall, Ghost in the Graveyard, deserves an apology because I’m sorry you got caught. This is a movie which should have stayed within the cemetery. A ghost story riddled with themes of PTSD that chooses to lean into genre tropes rather than character development – leaves viewers feeling empty, rather than satisfied. The atmosphere attempts to create a big twist but in the end, creates big boredom. The only saving grace of this film are the performances ushered in by Kelli Berglund and Jake Busey. The rest of the cast feels like they’re auditioning for a Syfy original movie. An inconsistent tone and misuse of the genre make Ghost in the Graveyard dead before the first frame even hits.
RORSCHACH RATING:
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