The big problem of this movie is that it has no story or plot we may understand. It begins with a couple in bed and is followed by the husband lying dead in a mortuary or something like that (we don't know why or how he died or was killed) and getting up as a ghost covered with a white sheet with two holes for the eyes which is a bad and primitive image for a ghost. From then on the movie evolves with the ghost walking here and there, to and fro chiefly in his old house without being seen by anyone and without us knowing what he is up to. Sometimes one or two ghosts more show themselvees without us knowing who they are. To watch this movie is a loss of time imdeed.

First, because I had literally wasted ANY amount of time watching this sow's ear of a student film.

Secondly, I laughed so hard that I cried, at the reviews that the ones who made it are still leaving on it in order to con viewers into dropping a couple of dollars on it. They'd be better off starting a funder page for those of us who really did watch it and are leaving truthful commentary on it, to pitch in so they'll never make a film again.

1 Star for their ongoing conning efforts.

1 Star for the movie poster which depicts the totality of the film.

It is easy to fooled by 'A Ghost Story's' title. A somewhat generic if intriguing title that is suggestive of a standard horror film/ghost story. Having read reviews and done research on what to expect, just in case it was much more than initially seemed, it was clear that the title was a misleading one that is not to be fooled by.

Despite its critical acclaim, 'A Ghost Story' will be a divisive film, and has already shown signs of being so in the audience reaction (though still mostly positive as of now). It is a film that will leave some moved and absorbed and others alienated and perplexed. Can see both sides as a perceptive person and being one of few people to be so, be accepting of opinions, positive or negative, and review in a manner that aims to be evaluative and without resorting to condescension, personal attacks on critics or endeavouring to prove the general consensus wrong.

With me, it was the former for 'A Ghost Story'. It is the most unique ghost story personally seen, and certainly the most unconventional, being much more than a horror film and the complete opposite of one. Instead it is a sombre and contemplative study of love, legacy and loss and does it in a way that's thoughtful, moving, oddly haunting and truly beautiful. It has the fluidity and mystic of Malick, the meditative pacing of Tarkovsky, the unusual atmosphere of 'Twilight Zone', the melancholy of 'Ghost' and somewhat the eccentricity (though very mild rather than wacky) of 'Beetle Juice', but has enough to set it apart and made its own in a hugely atmospheric, unusually experimental and profoundly moving depiction of the supernatural and the sensitive and tactfully handled themes of love, legacy and loss.

'A Ghost Story' is beautifully and atmospherically photographed, with the kitchen sink of all types of cuts and doing lots of inventive things with each. The lighting is unsettlingly creepy in places and oddly attractive in others, and the minimal setting never looks cheap. The budget was not big for this film but it didn't need to be, this was a perfectly necessary and very effective example of not doing a huge amount, and potentially being muddled and over-complicating things, and still work. "Less is more" can be done very well in film, 'A Ghost Story' is a good example. Oh and the ghost costume is suitably creepy and doesn't look cheap at all.

Music score is sorrowful, soulful and haunting, giving a real sense of eeriness and also nuance. 'A Ghost Story' does have moments of unsettlement, but not in terms of scares but the portrayal of the ghost and the questions it raises that makes one think but also unnerved. Essentially it explores sensitive themes and does so remarkably tactfully and delicately. It's slow and deliberate but the rich atmosphere, balance of emotions and compelling performances make it compelling. A few parts are too drawn out and go on a little too long, but not enough to make the whole film a bore.

Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara give delicately understated performances, ones that are utterly transfixing and more than great performances in their own right. Mara is particularly good, but Affleck has a hard task making an impact despite being a ghost and covered in a sheet for almost the whole running time, which he excels wonderfully in. The supporting cast are also solid but it's Affleck and particularly Mara that one remembers. Lowery's direction is accomplished and wisely keeps things simple.

In fact a strength of 'A Ghost Story' is how it doesn't rely on a huge budget, complex narratives and a large cast to stand out. Instead the budget is somewhat limited but sure doesn't look it, the narrative is simple and unconventional but emotionally and atmospherically rich and has two extremely compelling lead performances, and it shows the beauty of not trying to do too much and it registers much more than a lot of potentially overblown blockbusters.

The weak link of 'A Ghost Story' is the script. It's wisely kept at minimum, and when it is used while parts are thought-provoking the more philosophical pieces of dialogue come over as a little self-indulgent.

Summing up, hugely impressive. Won't be for all tastes, but if seen knowing what to expect it is more likely to be rewarding than frustrating. 8/10 Bethany Cox