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THE GHOUL – The Blu Review – We Are Movie Geeks

Blu-Ray Review

THE GHOUL – The Blu Review

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Review by Roger Carpenter

When I first picked up this film I assumed it was a horror film because of the title.  Apparently many other viewers made the same assumption.  However, The Ghoul isn’t really a horror film as much as it is a character study…or a drama…or a detective thriller.  Actually, I’m not quite sure how to categorize the film, which for some viewers will be a problem.  It wasn’t a problem for me.

The film opens with a detective investigating a double murder.  The crime apparently occurred several weeks before as the house is now clean, with a fresh coat of paint to disguise the blood spatters from multiple gunshots fired during the crime.  The detective, Chris, is actually being shown about by the realtor who tells him the weird story of the crime.  It seems the criminal had broken into the house—no one really knows why—and came across a man and a woman, both of whom were shot multiple times.  The odd thing is the criminal reported that neither victim seemed fazed by the gunshots, both continuing toward him even in the face of gruesome and debilitating injuries.  The killer ran out of the house whereby the two victims finally fell to the floor and died.  Weird, right?


Sensing there’s much more to the story—and that the realtor might be involved—Chris (Tom Meeten) seeks advice from a female colleague.  The two, who obviously had a relationship that fizzled, set up a plan whereby Chris poses as a depressive patient to investigate a psychotherapist who may have a connection to the victims as well as to the realtor and who just might have information about the crime.  But as Chris continues to attend psychotherapy sessions, first with the original psychotherapist then with a second doctor recommended by the first, the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur until Chris isn’t sure about anything anymore…least of all, himself.  What we get is a character study of mental illness and depression, where reality and fantasy are blurred until we aren’t sure which parts of Chris’ life are real and which aren’t.

The Ghoul has been described as “mind-bending” and I couldn’t agree more.  It may take multiple viewings to sort out everything going on in the film and, even then I’m not sure there are definitive answers available.  Some viewers will be frustrated by this and dismiss the film as incoherent.  In fact, a quick check of the Internet confirms that most reviews of the film are tepid at best.  I, however, am tired of the endless Hollywood need to wrap the ending of a movie like a present and crown it with a big, bright bow to be handed to the audience.  I find it refreshing these new British filmmakers don’t attempt to spoon-feed the audience and give viewers room to create their own interpretations.  The Ghoul has also been described as “slow” and I can understand how many viewers feel that way.  However, I find the description of “slow” in regards to the film to be inaccurate. I think the term languid is more accurate.  “Slow” seems to me a more dismissive and derogatory term, indicating the film isn’t telling a story and is boring.  Everyone has a right to his or her opinion and some may feel the movie is “slow.”  However, I would argue the film is telling a story in every scene, each scene is purposeful, and the film isn’t boring…it just takes time to unfold.  Languid.  But if you aren’t in the mood for a film which makes you think and create meaning from what you see and hear, then you likely won’t be a fan of The Ghoul.  You should go in search of Michael Bay’s latest soulless blockbuster and turn your mind off.  Tune in to tune out, man….


The great irony is the creators of The Ghoul are all relatively well-known comics in England, doing stand-up and television sketches as a primary living.  This is the debut feature film for writer-director Gareth Tunley who weaves an intricate story equal parts mythical and mysterious.  Tom Meeton is both a gifted comic as well as a gifted dramatic actor.  Primarily a veteran of British television comedy, he has had supporting roles in larger films as well as a handful of indie pictures.  But in The Ghoul he is asked to carry the entire feature, and he is simply superb as the depressive and possibly disturbed police detective.  His quiet awkwardness around others and unkempt look ensure a gloomy atmosphere throughout the film.  Other actors are equally as good but the other standout is Geoffrey McGivern as Alexander Morland, a psychotherapist who dabbles in the mystic and occult and who may or may not be trying to help Chris with his faked illness.

Helping the atmosphere of despair along is cinematographer Benjamin Pritchard whose lighting and camerawork further accentuate the isolation Chris is feeling as he wanders the streets of London day and night. One is even more impressed when noting the shoestring budget of the film.  The camera shots are creative and belie the micro-budget of the film.  Likewise, Waen Shepherd’s musical score is simple, subtle, haunting, and quite effective in helping to establish the downbeat atmosphere of the film.

Ultimately the audience is left to decide how events finally unfold for themselves.  The ending was confusing for me at first, but upon repeated viewings I was able to create my own explanations for events, which I will keep to myself lest I ruin this unique film for others.  I was entertained by the plot and impressed by the technical aspects of the film, and look forward to more output from this group of talented filmmakers, though some viewers will be dismissive because they will be asked to work harder than they want while watching a movie.


Arrow has made it their mission to unearth little-known genre films deserving of a prestige release (Blood Rage; The Mutilator; Slugs) as well as giving genuine cult classics  (Re-Animator; Mark of the Devil) the red carpet treatment.  But the company has also found time to advocate for and release debut films from directors they appreciate, such as last year’s arthouse/horror film We Are the Flesh as well as The Ghoul.  I, for one, appreciate the company’s willingness to go out on a limb for new filmmakers when they think the product is interesting.  I’m looking forward to their next outing into contemporary independent cinema.

The Ghoul Blu-Ray comes with several nice features including a 36-minute making-of documentary which includes interviews with all the primary cast and crew, a theatrical trailer for the film, and the film short The Baron, a comic look at one man’s fantasies that is both very funny as well as being the impetus for the full-length feature The Ghoul.  There is also a filmmaker commentary which is nice; however, I would have liked it if they had addressed more about the various interpretations of the film rather than some of the technical aspects of filmmaking.  Finally, there is a first-pressing only booklet containing new writing about the film.  You can purchase the film at Amazon or directly from Arrow Video at http://www.arrowfilms.co.uk/category/usa/.