I AM A GHOST
2012, directed by HP Mendoza

Tw: death, mental illness, depression, trauma, on screen murders, full frontal male nudity, blood, self-harm and self-injury compulsion, disembodied voices, violence toward woman, spirituality and religion

A haunted house with a tragic backstory. A lonely woman wandering through life with seemingly no drive and no purpose, just the same monotony day in and day out. Another woman with an ability to help folks find their way and feel secure in their purpose, freeing them from their prisons on multiple levels. It’s barebones in every sense of the word (plot, cast, setting, effects) but it absolutely works in the film's favor instead of against it! This one starts off a little slow, but it is worth sticking with despite the funky pacing at the start. The dull monotony eventually makes sense as it fully gives way and transforms into feelings of grief, loneliness, sadness, depression and trauma. It’s a fascinating and original twist in the haunted house/wandering spirit and medium tropes, and once it picks up speed for the second big reveal it really ramps up the dark spookiness. It’s moody, broody, and very aesthetic, and the performances are terrific!

It clocks in at about 75min, but I think it would’ve been even better if it were slightly shorter and a little tighter, because the early scenes of repetition add some unnecessary length since we cannot see the “earthly side” of what contrasts our ghostly protagonist’s experiences. On the other hand, perhaps an additional 15min and a few more cast members might’ve seen that fault remedied if it had provided more perspective.

Overall though it’s a solid indie effort with really good production value and cinematography! 4 stars for story and acting, but minus a half a star for the pacing early on that made it challenging to be immersed in initially. I clicked it on a whim, as it was one of the few movies added to Shudder that I haven’t already seen hahaha! Happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised and I can highly recommend it for those who are willing to be patient, and want to immerse themselves in the slowly unfolding mystery.

Review by Ellen Avigliano
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