Based off a short story “Ernest” by Geoff Manaugh, the real question becomes, has director Landon pulled off the genre well? The film opens like many others, with an old, abandoned house and a family of four whose children don’t want to be there- surprise, surprise. It’s safe to say that the beginning of the film acknowledges those that have come before with a classic setting of any traditional ghost story. Harbour embodies a gentle and muted ghost, Ernest, intent on scaring a new family out of his home but quickly forms a bond with youngest troubled teen musician, Kevin, as they begin to unravel the past. Harbour’s wordless performance is heart-warming and is a credit to his wide- ranging apparition acting skill as he manages to capture the ghost’s character, wit, disappointments and fears, whilst working with only facial expressions and body movements. On top of that, it even includes a love story - if teen angst is your thing.
The main conflicts of the plot begin to appear, however, after the Father, Frank decides to share a video of Ernest on social media. While trending #Ernestchallenge and #ghostrights may scream a Gen Z approach to all things spooky, Frank’s need to make some extra cash lands the family in trouble with the media and the CIA! Whilst I can admit that the combination of the technological age and the classic ghost story plotline is clever, it’s safe to say that the cinematography would not pass (ironically enough) in a traditional horror film, but it does work well in a comedy.
Although I won’t spoil the ending, whilst the film’s representation of the ghostly form may be unrealistic, its message is wholesome. Some may even say it is earnest (see what I did there). Jokes aside, the ending of this film is unexpected and thoughtful, a real testament to the importance of family and friendships through the exploration of past trauma and the chance to reconnect with life, even after death. Whilst the film may move away from the scary aspect of ghost stories, it offers something deeper: a chance to laugh, reflect and appreciate the time spent with those you care about most, which perhaps is why it takes the form of a comedy so that the whole family can enjoy it.