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A Ghost Waits

Name: A Ghost Waits
Director: Adam Stovall
Released: 2020
Duration: 79 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

2020

Director

Adam Stovall

Runtime

79 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Ghost Waits is a minimalist character study that dismantles horror clichés to focus on personal connections and internal struggles. It replaces jump scares with existential questions and quiet personal dilemmas. The film excels in its narrative simplicity and its disruption of genre expectations. By highlighting the bond between Jack and Muriel, it delves into themes of isolation and duty through a supernatural lens. However, the film lacks demographic diversity and fails to explore multi-layered themes. It remains a localized character study with a homogeneous cast and limited representation across various social identity categories.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Ghost Waits have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories centered around non-straight identities. While the relationship between the living and the dead is unique, it is not explored through a queer perspective.

How does A Ghost Waits portray gender?

Fair

Muriel is a strong, complex female character who avoids typical passive roles. However, the limited dialogue and small ensemble restrict the exploration of gender-specific issues.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Ghost Waits?

Limited

The cast is predominantly homogeneous, and the film does not use diverse casting or metaphorical elements to address ethnic diversity.

How does A Ghost Waits represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film presents a secular, postmodern view of the afterlife, treating supernatural elements as everyday bureaucracy. It avoids traditional religious frameworks in favor of existential themes.

Does A Ghost Waits include disability representation?

Limited

There is no significant representation of visible or invisible disabilities. The concept of being a ghost is treated as a genre element rather than reflecting neurodivergence or disability.

Present on Screen

Successfully breaks down horror genre clichés by emphasizing intimacy over fear.
Features a nuanced female character in Muriel with a complex internal life.
Presents a secular, postmodern view of the afterlife.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight narratives.
Would improve with a more diverse cast and greater ethnic representation.
Should consider incorporating visible or invisible disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Jack's job is to fix up the house. Spectral agent Muriel's eternal task is to haunt it. They should be enemies, but they become fascinated by one another and eventually smitten, leading them to question everything about their work, lives, and decisions. But as pressure mounts for them to fulfil their duties, something’s got to give for them to have the time together they both so desperately want.

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