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Ghost Stories

As the credits roll for Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s GHOST STORIES it’s impossible to speak. The 98 minutes that lead to this moment are scary, hilarious, terrifying and gripping. Every emotion of what the fuck just happened flash before your eyes as the monstrous medley of ghosts, demons and poltergeist plague the audience. Just when you think you know what’s going on, Dyson and Nyman flip it, turn it and pop it back into the merry go round for twist and turns that will keep you glued to the end.

 

Sceptic Professor Phillip Goodman (Andy Nyman) spends his time debunking the supernatural but when an idol returns from the dead, he is lead on a quest that will see him discover the truth beyond what can be explained. As Goodman learns of three inexplicable encounters with the supernatural, he must come to terms with the reality of the events, he must decide whether he perceives what he sees or what he wants to see.

 

What is striking about GHOST STORIES is its British comedic cast. Paul Whitehouse (THE FAST SHOW), Alex Lawther (THE END OF THE FUCKING WORLD), Andy Nyman (SEVERENCE) and Martin Freeman (THE OFFICE), combined with writer and directorial credit to Dyson (THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN) and it would be easy to forgive audiences for wanting a comedy spoof. Instead, it combines the best of both the comedy and horror genres but sways more to the latter and at times will have you hiding behind the popcorn anticipating what comes next. Whitehouse is particulary mesmerising as he tells his tale of terror with fear and nervous jokes, it’s a believable piece from an actor who is rarely taken seriously but it is Alex Lawther who steals every scene with his anxious disposition and right amount of unnerving creepiness to keep his segment scary yet delightfully funny. None of the cast are wasted and whether its Nyman’s unearthing of the truth or Freeman’s mystique, every moment of GHOST STORIES calls for attention.

 

The biggest credit goes to Nyman and Dyson’s script that cleverly leaves no stone unturned. In fact, the film will definitely benefit from multiple viewings and as the anthology of films conclude, the impact is all the more powerful thanks to the relatable and sometimes quirky characters.

 

There are plenty of jumpy moments to make a seasoned horror fan nervous but more importantly it brings together three individual stories not matched since the aptly named GHOST STORY. While the last act goes on a wild rollercoaster ride, the climax is sentimental and rewarding with the perfect blend of tension and heart.

 

If there’s one thing that GHOST STORIES has taught us it’s that British horror is not dead and ranks itself amongst the best of British cinema. Dyson happily plays with stereotype and homage with scenes taking from THE EVIL DEAD, POLTERGEIST and even reminiscent of other classics such as AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON and SEVERENCE in tone and style. GHOST STORIES is existentially British, undeniably brilliant and will leave a scar that will last for a very long time after the credits roll.

Director: Jermey Dyson, Andy Nyman

Released:  6th April 2018

Running Time: 98 minutes

Age Rating: 15

 

Reviewer: Martyn Wakefield

RATING


Plot: 5
Fear: 4
Gore: 1


R5/5​

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