Ghost Stories (2018)

Rating: 9/10
Genre: Drama/Horror
Related Titles: Unsane, Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, Inception
By Leanne Harragan

Semi-famous debunker and sceptic Professor Goodman embarks on a mission to solve three unexplained 'hauntings.' The three mysteries soon prove to be more than the meets the eye. 

The third Screen Unseen (well, in this case Scream Unseen) and Odeon yet again didn't disappoint with this British horror that I definitely thought was a breath of fresh air to the already crowded genre. 

Adapted from the stage show of the same name 'Ghost Stories' opens with a old style video recording provided the audience with a little bit of background of the main character; it then cuts to the modern day and we are introduced to Professor Goodman (Andy Nyman) as he debunks a psychic live on screen. The story doesn't waste time in setting up a in depth character development this is done along the way, while Goodman explores the cases he finds, which is nice because there is nothing worse in a film than lazy or forced exposition. 

I don't want to give any spoilers away so will avoid discussing plot points or too much along the way and just say that it includes a whole bunch of horror/thriller clichés: dark enclosed spaces, dolls, mannequins, elongated silences and sudden noises. All the things that people look for in a horror film but not overused to the point of ridiculous like some. Without saying what it is, I will say while this kind of ending has been seen before it worked in a good way to close out the film. 

One of my favourite things was the cast. There were good performances all-round but the standout for me was Alex Lawther who was so credible in his role as Simon Rifkind a teen who fights for his parent attention and has less than normal interests. If his career so far is anything to go by this guy is going places, gaining recognition for his role as a young Alan Turing in 'the Imitation Game' and in the recent British TV series 'The End of the F**king World' which he was absolutely incredible in. The other standout was Andy Nyman as main character Goodman whose acting ability was shown as the film progressed and his views on the supernatural began to change. I would also recommend checking out his awesome performance in 'Dead Set.'

Finally I loved the few comic moments that were intertwined in the intensity and the scene in the car that at times had some very British moments, that people will recognise. I also loved the credits music, ending the film with Bobby Pickett's iconic 'Monster Mash' was a great way to end a great film. 

Rating: 8/10
By Rebecca Mannick

Ghost Stories is one of the better horror films I have seen in a very very long time. Without being overly horrific or gory it is able to scary the audience mainly with the gripping and clever story. A story which has been trialled and tested through being originally a stage play, it makes the seamless transition through to the big screen. For only the second 'Scream Unseen' put on by Odeon that I have been to. This is for sure the better out of the two (the other one being 'The Ritual' another British horror). British horror films are in my opinion superior to our friends over the Atlantic. In the case of Ghost Stories, (despite the terrible name) is way more than just a blood and guts horror. There are so many elements of suspense that are terrifying in itself. 

In its 98 minutes running time it is able to quickly set the scene for Professor Philip Goodman (played by Andy Nyman who also co-directs) who investigates three unsolved supernatural experiences on separate occasions. I really don't want to spoil this one as I do think that if you're into this genre you should for sure go and see Ghost Stories when its released on April 6th. And to be honest if your into thrillers, with great storylines, mysteries and suspense then this one is for you too. Andy Nyman really brings this together and really this whole story is about his character, so try and pick up some clues along the way. When you think everything is resolved then everything is turned upside down. I should also mention Martin Freeman who plays Mike Priddle in the third case of the hauntings. I don't want to tell you why he is so brilliant as it might give away why his role was important but just take my word for it. 

Anyway, I really enjoyed Ghost Stories, it even left me slightly confused which is a good thing as I hate when movies dumb it down for audiences. I don't mind feeling slightly stupid for a minute while trying to work out what had just happened. But really sets this picture apart is its moments of comedy placed so perfectly throughout. It makes you laugh while keeping the intensity of the storyline which is something so difficult to execute. This is definitely a stand-out movie so far this year so go check it out.