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A Ghost Story

Name: A Ghost Story
Director: David Lowery
Released: 2017
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

2017

Director

David Lowery

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

A Ghost Story is a contemplative, minimalist exploration of grief that emphasizes metaphysical inquiry over social issues. Its focus on a singular, homogeneous experience leads to a low diversity score. While the film's aesthetic choices, such as the restrictive 4:3 aspect ratio, challenge cinematic conventions, these changes are stylistic rather than addressing broader societal themes. The narrative lacks the complexity needed to engage with systemic issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Ghost Story have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on a heterosexual relationship and does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.

How does A Ghost Story portray gender?

Fair

The story presents a nuanced look at grief and emotional labor, avoiding submissive femininity by emphasizing the female protagonist's internal psychological journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Ghost Story?

Minimal

The cast is very homogeneous, with a focus on a white couple. The narrative does not address racial diversity or varied ethnic backgrounds.

How does A Ghost Story represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film adopts a secular, postmodern perspective on cosmic time. It does not actively critique Western institutions like religion or capitalism.

Does A Ghost Story include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of visible or invisible disabilities. The film does not include characters with neurodivergence or chronic illness.

Present on Screen

The film offers a nuanced portrayal of female grief and internal psychological strength.
It avoids traditional patriarchal clichés by focusing on quiet, shared intimacy.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing on a homogeneous white couple.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.
The film does not depict any disabilities, neurodivergence, or chronic illness.

Official Synopsis

Recently deceased, a white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to console his bereft wife, only to find that in his spectral state he has become unstuck in time, forced to watch passively as the life he knew and the woman he loves slowly slip away.

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