Caught Between Worlds: My Review of 'A Ghost Story' and Its Unique Approach

Released in 2017, this film quietly slipped into theaters and garnered critical acclaim for its thought-provoking themes and evocative visuals. With a runtime of just over 90 minutes, A Ghost Story manages to explore the weight of grief, the passage of time, and the essence of existence in a way that feels both intimate and universal.

At its core, A Ghost Story tells the tale of C (Casey Affleck) and M (Rooney Mara), a couple whose blissful existence is shattered when C dies in a tragic car accident. Following his death, C’s spirit remains tethered to the place he called home; clad in a simple, white sheet with two eye holes cut out, he becomes the titular ghost. While at first, C is an observer of his former life—watching M cope with her grief and slowly move on—the film soon expands its focus to explore the cyclical nature of time and the impact of personal history on a more cosmic scale.

What makes A Ghost Story resonate so deeply is its exploration of existential themes. The film navigates concepts of loss, memory, and the human experience. Lowery takes his time, allowing viewers to sit with C’s spectral existence as he witnesses moments much larger than himself—a family moving into his former home, the passage of years marked by changing landscapes, and the relentless march of time itself.

The cinematography by Andrew Droz Palermo is also a standout aspect of the film. Employing long takes and minimalist framing, the visuals evoke a sense of stillness and reflection. The ghost, often positioned in static scenes, serves as a poignant reminder of how moments can be simultaneously transient and eternal. The sound design complements this visual language, featuring a haunting score by Daniel Hart that amplifies the emotional weight of C's journey.

Lowery’s approach to grief is notably unconventional. M's mourning process is depicted with an unsettling realism as she grapples with her loss—one of the most iconic sequences features her consuming an entire pie in one sitting, a visceral metaphor for her feelings of emptiness and despair. The film’s structure invites viewers to linger in these moments of sorrow, encouraging empathy without feeling overly sentimental.

In summary, David Lowery’s "A Ghost Story" is an exquisite exploration of the human experience through the lens of the supernatural. It transcends traditional storytelling, beckoning viewers to ponder the essence of love and remembrance in stark contrast to the relentless march of time. This film is not just to be watched; it is to be felt, and it lingers long after the credits roll, urging audiences to consider their own narratives and the ghosts they may leave behind.