A Ghost Story

  • 2017
  • R
  • 93m
movieMx RATING
7.1/102.4K
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: A Ghost Story Review

Last updated: January 25, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 25, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is A Ghost Story (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Ghost Story features a noteworthy lineup led by Casey Affleck . Supported by the likes of Rooney Mara and McColm Cephas Jr. , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of A Ghost Story (2017) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, A Ghost Story stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: A Ghost Story

Quick Plot Summary: A Ghost Story is a Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Thematic Depth

The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Solid execution of genre conventions
  • Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
  • Competent performances from the cast

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Some narrative choices that feel predictable
  • Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act

Ending Explained: A Ghost Story

Ending Breakdown: A Ghost Story resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of A Ghost Story reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch A Ghost Story?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: A Ghost Story

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $100.0K
Worldwide Gross $1.9M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

A Ghost Story Budget

The estimated production budget for A Ghost Story is $100.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: A Ghost Story

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Where to Watch A Ghost Story Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Cinemax Amazon ChannelCinemax Amazon Channel
Cinemax Apple TV ChannelCinemax Apple TV Channel

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home
Spectrum On DemandSpectrum On Demand

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

A Ghost Story Parents Guide & Age Rating

2017 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about A Ghost Story age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

A Ghost Story is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of A Ghost Story is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, A Ghost Story is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for A Ghost Story. Rating: 7.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Ghost Story worth watching?

A Ghost Story is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find A Ghost Story parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for A Ghost Story identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of A Ghost Story?

The total duration of A Ghost Story is 93 minutes, which is approximately 1h 33m long.

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How A Ghost Story Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for A Ghost Story

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.1
A Ghost Story
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/a-ghost-story-428449" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.1</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">A Ghost Story</div></div></a>

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