It’s been a good year for writer Adam Cesare. His third Clown in a Cornfield book release, the paperback of Influencer dropped and his movie Last Night at Terrace Lanes is worth a look. Now, partnering with The Stylist writer/director Jill Gevargizian he pens a thrilling story in Ghost Game.
As part of an internet challenge to live undetected in a stranger’s home, a daring couple target an infamous haunted house and endure a series of chilling incidents as they witness a family descending into madness.
The film features a familiar trop of an urban legend—a haunted house steeped in tragedy and mystery—while also introducing the twist of a unique thrill-seeking story. This mashup gives the horror film an original take, keeping us guessing to the very end.
Cesare’s storytelling prowess is on full effect as he expertly crafts characters who are both relatable and intriguing. His ability to weave domestic tragedy into supernatural horror adds depth to the story, allowing us to empathize with the family descending into madness while also fearing what waits them around the corner. In collaboration with Gevargizian’s directorial vision—a blend of atmospheric tension and intricate plot development—the duo creates a film that stands out against typical horror stories.
Another notable aspect of Ghost Game is its exploration of modern technology—particularly how social media can influence behavior under pressure—and the outcome of using it too much. The internet challenge becomes more than just entertainment; it serves as commentary on today’s digital age where privacy blurs boundaries between personal and public spectacle. These layers enriches an already compelling story by forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about society’s obsession with voyeurism. While also just being a terrifying film.
The onscreen performances are delivered well with most cast members brining authenticity even amidst chaos. While nothing jumps out as spectacular about these performances, not much of the acting takes away from the overall film.
Despite minor drawbacks—such as certain ideas not being fully pushed to their limits or feeling slightly rushed during its conclusion—the overall viewing experience of Ghost Game remains extremely enjoyable. This is in thanks to great chemistry between actors combined with some well placed camera shots and a unique storyline that lingers long after the credits roll. Ghost Game may not be the year’s best film, but has a lot going for it and is worth your time. Let’s see more of the Gevargizian and Cesare pairing in the future.
Ghost Game was directed by Jill Gevargizian based on a script by Adam Cesare. The film stars Kia Dorsey, Zaen Haidar, Aidan Hughes, Emily Bennett, Vienna Maas, Michael C. Williams, Sam Lukowski and more.
Ghost Game hit theaters of a limited run on October 18, 2024 and is now available via VOD.
