We Have a Ghost‘s premiere on Netflix was streamed on February 24, 2023, with stars like David Harbour, Anthony Mackie, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Tig Notaro, Erica Ash and others alongside Jennifer Coolidge’s guest appearance. Based on the short story Ernest by Geoff Manaugh, the family horror comedy has a runtime of 127 minutes, and is directed by Christopher Landon, who also helms the screenplay.
When Ernest’s ghost is discovered by Kevin in the attic of their new home, he finally finds a shoulder to rely on, following his family’s endless trips around the country for ‘fresh starts’ that just never seem to start. His issues are far from resolved, and his father is doing everything he can to not only pick things up for their family, but also come closer to Kevin, and Ernest might just be what/who he needs to set things right.
The official description of the movie on Netflix reads:
An enterprising dad (Anthony Mackie) hopes to win over his son (Jahi Winston) by posting a viral video of the ghost (David Harbour) haunting in their attic.
-We Have a Ghost Review Does Not Contain Spoilers-
Having moved into a new home, which eventually shows its true haunted face with the discovery of Ernest, an apparition that can only convey his feelings via his expressions and not words, Kevin finds a new friend. His brother and father take this on as an opportunity to create a YouTube channel and gain big money. Things take yet another turn when the family digs deeper into Ernest’s past, but before answers can be reached, they’re targeted by the CIA.
Winston’s Kevin sets out on a mission to solve the mysteries of Ernest’s life as his fading memory doesn’t leave much on the plate for them to discuss. The former’s altruistic goal is to set his older friend’s spirit free, but several hurdles in their path act as hindrances.
We Have a Ghost follows a traditional and classic plot that’s formulaic in terms of building the whole ‘haunted house holding in a friendly ghost’ story. The poster of the film too seems to be a reminiscent reminder of E.T., while movies like Casper and Bhootnath (Hindi) also leave their mark. All kinds of common stock archetypes building a haunted setting are present – an abandoned creepy house, a family moving in to start anew, the young protagonist being aversive to change and more. If the film had restricted itself to all this, it would be rendered a repetitive feature, yet it would’ve still stayed true to the feel good ambiance.
However, a side plot is also added in and brings in the CIA, making for possibly the most redundant storyline therein. The heartwarming friendship takes a backseat in this situation, and the focus is shifted to a chase that adds nothing to development.
The underlying generational conflict between the father-son duo of Frank (Mackie) and Kevin (Winston) plays off well, but the surface is barely scratched for their problems to be resolved. The mere magical understanding that the film’s inevitable finale is nearing – is what wraps up that chapter on a supposed high note for them, barely speaking up about the relationship, thus leaving the audience dissatisfied as well.
Acting performances delivered by the stars somewhat bring the bland account to life. The significant issues raised about family never come full circle, and it all falls flat.
Under the film’s block on Netflix, the platform uses the word ‘goofy’ to introduce the flick – which is obviously not the case. And all the deeper contexts are merely there to fill the plate in the background, hence the lacklustre show leaves the film itself confused about its identity. It’s never able to figure out whether the trajectory owned by it is supposed to fall in the comedy, drama, thriller, or horror category. Briefly touching upon stereotypes associated with the horror genre, it at least fits a Black family at the centre, which neither runs away nor is killed off at the hands of the supernatural presence.
Once Ernest goes viral, it also makes you question as to why he has such a major fan following. Is it perhaps because the fourth wall has been fractured and the people are leading in with their awareness of the apparition being Harbour himself? This doubt may plague you due to the distress it causes the characters, but it’s obviously employed to make way for a comical ride. Unfortunately, no comedy is generated in the process, and the mission fails miserably.
We Have a Ghost : Final Thoughts
The insufferable tragedy of new age movies is that there’s too much content out there, and in the midst of all the traffic, barely anything is trying to build a voice of its own. Just like many other films, We Have a Ghost suffers through a similar fate wherein it feels all too familiar, making you question if there was a need for such a movie at all.
Having a multi-faceted cast is of no use, especially, if ultimately their talents run dry in a bland mix of things that are too far reaching but never really reach the end-line in a single frame of mind. By the time you’re adjusted to what the film may be about, it completely switches over to the other side, turning the whole thing into an unsightly and forgettable piece of media.
It’s time that we stop filling in these thematic and crucial gaps with the mere employment of an exciting line-up of actors. Stories should be about more than just certain faces coming to their rescue. Yet, at least the film leaves us with the message that sometimes ghosts are the least of our problems, and that real dangers and evil lurk a lot closer than we may have thought.
We Have a Ghost is now streaming on Netflix.
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