Ghost Stories
The story follows Professor Philip Goodman (played by Andy Nyman himself), a rationalist and skeptic who is dedicated to debunking alleged paranormal phenomena. When his childhood idol, Charles Cameron, a paranormal investigator who has been missing for years, mysteriously contacts him, Goodman finds himself involved in three disturbing and unexplained cases.
Each segment of the film features a stand-alone ghost story, but with a common thread that ties them together in a subtle and progressively more disturbing way. The first case involves a night watchman (Paul Whitehouse) who is haunted by a dark presence in an old abandoned asylum. The second follows a young motorist (Alex Lawther) who has a supernatural encounter in a forest. The third involves a wealthy banker (Martin Freeman) who claims to be haunted by a poltergeist in his home.
Ghost Stories is a British psychological horror film adapted from their play of the same name. The film stands out for its disturbing atmosphere, layered narrative and a surprising ending that overturns the viewer's expectations.
Dyson and Nyman build a horror that relies more on psychological tension than gratuitous jump scares. The use of lighting, sound and distressing shots contribute to creating a sense of growing unease. Each story has its own visual identity and a different narrative style, reflecting the personal fears of the protagonists.
Andy Nyman offers an intense and engaging interpretation, making his character both cynical and vulnerable. Alex Lawther confirms himself as one of the most talented young actors, with a visceral and disturbing performance. Martin Freeman, known for his more reassuring roles, here shows a more sinister and ambiguous side, resulting in one of the surprises of the film.
Without going into too much detail to avoid spoilers, Ghost Stories ends with a twist that reworks and reconsiders everything the viewer has seen up to that point. The film plays with the perception of reality, transforming supernatural horror into an exploration of the mind and guilt.
Ghost Stories is a refined and disturbing horror film, which departs from the standards of the genre to propose a deeper and more psychological narrative. Fans of atmospheric horror and well-constructed stories will particularly appreciate it, while those looking for more direct scares may find it less effective. However, its charm lies precisely in its ability to slowly insinuate itself into the mind of the viewer, leaving a sense of unease that persists even after the credits roll.
