We Have a Ghost: Not the Most Spectre-cular

We Have A Ghost, a Netflix horror comedy directed by Christopher Landon, is a genre bending film filled with scattered charming moments that get lost among the convoluted plot. Despite its potential, it stumbles throughout its 2-hour runtime—missing its mark.

When the Presley family moves into a decrepit house, they quickly find themselves confronted with a paranormal inhabitant. Rather than run away, the decision is to monetize the situation. What ensues is host of TikTok-esque viral moments commenting on the proof of ghosts, government organizations getting involved, and a personal story about overcoming trauma. It’s a decent idea in concept, however, this film feels like it tries to do too much and doesn’t let the core of the movie breath. Based on a short story by Geoff Manaugh, it feels as though the overall plot might have been stuffed to extend the runtime negatively impacting film.

As audiences are introduced to the Presley family, there is clear underlying tension between the four members. Frank (played by Anthony Mackie) and Melanie (played by Erica Ash) move their two sons, Fulton (played by Niles Fitch) and the youngest, Kevin (played by Jahi Di’Allo Winston) into an old house and it feels as though the move was a symbolic gesture to start fresh after a failed financial venture. On the first day, Kevin meets a ghost named Ernest (played by David Harbour), and they instantly form a friendship.

As the family finds out about Ernest, they decide to upload proof on the internet and the viral hit gives Frank the idea to leverage the situation despite Melanie’s pleas. The spike in fandom and the YouTube channel getting millions of views results in a cast of characters wanting to be part of the discovery. Known medium, Judy Romano (played by Jennifer Coolidge), visits to highlight the events for her show. Government scientist, Dr. Leslie Monroe (played by Tig Notaro), coordinates an effort to capture the spirit, and all of this happens while Kevin is working with his friend Joy Yoshino (played by Isabella Russo) to help Ernest move to the great unknown.

Throughout the film there are moments feel like E.T. and others feel like a scene from Ghostbusters. These not-so-subtle homages result in constant shifting tones and plot points that take away from the root of the story. Ernest is a trapped spirit and is unaware of how he died so there is mystery behind how he got to where he is. I felt this storyline was the strongest and wish it was the central focus rather than the hodgepodge of interrupting side elements. Instead, the film is filled with chases, slow-motion action pieces, and over-the-top technology to capture Ernest.

It’s a shame really because Kevin and Ernest have good chemistry even though Ernest cannot verbally communicate. Winston and Harbour bring gentleness to the characters they portray and it makes the friendship all the more believable. Throughout the film it’s easy to root for Kevin and Joy as they work to help Ernest.

The limitations of the script make for wonky conversations from the actors. None of the family have a real character arc and this results in clunky dialogue that has a one-note tone. With actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Mackie), Stranger Things (Harbour), and This is Us (Fitch), the casting isn’t the problem but instead the limited direction for the characters they play. Many of the family members are selfish and it’s frustrating as there isn’t a payoff at the end.

While the actors do their best with the script there is a benefit of the production value—which is surprisingly decent all things considered. The CGI to make Harbour into the friendly ghost works and the special effects to showcase a spirit existing in the house is well done. During the course of the film it doesn’t feel as though sets or visuals were scaled back and this helps with the overall experience.