A horror-comedy for the social media age, Beware The Horror Ghost sees the first-time directing duo known as Lucien & Cian make a very good attempt at reinventing the kind of horror film that appeals to youth, not by resorting to the much-maligned ‘found footage’ technique of the past decade or so, but by honouring a far older tradition- that of the completely exaggerated ghost-shocker!
Beginning with a completely nonsensical (unsubtitled) Latin quote, which quickly transitions into the opening shot of hilarious newcomer Destiny shouting “Oh Jesus!” at the top of his voice as a “ghost” (wearing an oversized white sheet with clumsily cut-out eyes) runs out of a cabinet towards him. Hence begins a string of fantastical events, some which hit the mark, some of which fail miserably. Highlights include protagonist DJ encountering a hallway full of old, disused doorknobs and asking himself “Why are there so many doorknobs” and two vampires attempting to cover up their identities by saying they are “va…vase enthusiasts!”
The acting is, for the most part, quite superb. Vampires Domhnaill and Cian are as creepy as they are sympathetic, DJ- whilst an underdeveloped character due to the weak script- brings warmth to his role, and John and Alice excel as a lunatic priest and the victim of his attempted exorcism. A final-act twist featuring a cameo from perhaps the most famous person of all time hits the mark wonderfully.
Provoking an immense sense of nostalgia in those who experienced the golden age of Hollywood Horror Cinema, it’s unlikely we will see a more intelligently crafted short film this year. Bravo!
