Introduction
Ghost Stories (2017) is a chilling British horror anthology that blends psychological and supernatural terror into a suspenseful, twist-laden film. Directed by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, the film follows Professor Philip Goodman, a skeptical investigator of paranormal claims, as he examines three disturbing cases that challenge his beliefs. With its eerie atmosphere, unsettling storytelling, and strong performances, Ghost Stories aims to pay homage to classic horror anthologies while offering a fresh take on the genre.
Let me be upfront by saying I am a huge fan of horror movie anthologies—I seem to enjoy them even when they aren’t particularly well-made. There’s something about the structure of interconnected, bite-sized tales of terror that I find irresistible. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t recognize when an anthology falls flat or fails to deliver a satisfying experience. Some rely too heavily on jump scares, while others struggle with pacing or weak wraparound stories. So where does Ghost Stories rank among its peers? Does it deliver a hauntingly memorable experience, or is it just another forgettable entry in the genre? Let’s take a closer look.
Horror Elements
At the beginning of the movie, the true antagonist isn’t immediately clear, as the film presents itself as a straightforward supernatural investigation. Initially, the cases Professor Philip Goodman examines seem to suggest that the ghosts and demons haunting the victims are the primary sources of terror. However, as the film progresses, it becomes evident that the real antagonist is something far more psychological—Goodman himself. His deep-seated guilt and suppressed trauma manifest through the terrifying stories he encounters, leading to a shocking revelation that reframes the entire narrative. The sinister force at play isn’t just the supernatural but the haunting nature of Goodman’s own mind, making Ghost Stories as much a psychological thriller as it is a horror film. Honestly, I went into this movie not knowing this (the trailer doesn’t give too much away), so I initially thought this was just going to be another supernatural-scares sort of film. This made the psychological twist so much more powerful at the end.
Professor Philip Goodman is a highly believable protagonist in Ghost Stories (2017), thanks to both strong writing and Andy Nyman’s nuanced performance. As a skeptic and debunker of the paranormal, Goodman is grounded in logic and reason, making his descent into fear and uncertainty all the more compelling. His reactions to the eerie events he investigates feel natural—initially dismissive, then subtly unnerved, and eventually completely unraveled. Unlike many horror protagonists who make irrational decisions for the sake of scares, Goodman approaches each case methodically, making his transformation into a man questioning his own reality all the more effective. This slow suspenseful build only adds to the horror. His backstory, which is gradually revealed, adds layers to his character, making him not just a vessel for the audience but a deeply flawed and human figure whose fears are far more psychological than supernatural.
In addition to having a believable protagonist, I also felt as though the different characters’ reactions were uniquely portrayed by their character and realistic. With the first case to be examined, that of Tony Matthews, his reaction to the supernatural events reflects what his character would actually do: turn on a happy song up loud, call his co-worker for comfort, pick up a hammer (weapon), and call out a threat to whatever is out in the darkness tormenting him. Simon Rifkind, the second case study, reacts in a similar fashion in that he attempts to grab a weapon (a rolled up map is better than nothing). Instead of going into “fight mode” as Matthews did, he instead chooses to run from the car when the monster enters it. Considering how fragile his character seems, this fits what he’d actually do quite well. Finally, Mike Priddle, the 3rd and final character, reacts differently as well. Being an intelligent business man, he approaches paranormal events with a logical approach. For example, when the baby diapers fly across the floor in the nursery, he checks all the windows for a potential draft. Again, it fits his character and I appreciate these subtle differences immensely.
Movie Elements
While many anthologies rely on disconnected short tales with a simple wraparound narrative, Ghost Stories cleverly weaves its segments into a larger, more cohesive mystery that builds toward an unexpected and deeply unsettling conclusion. Additionally, its willingness to subvert expectations—particularly in how it recontextualizes its supernatural elements—adds a layer of depth rarely seen in traditional anthology horror. Rather than just telling scary stories, the film ultimately explores the nature of fear, guilt, and the fragile state of the human mind, making it a refreshingly original entry in the genre.
The pacing of Ghost Stories is deliberate, gradually building tension rather than relying on constant scares or action. The film takes its time establishing atmosphere and character, particularly through Professor Philip Goodman’s methodical investigations. Each of the three cases unfolds with a slow, creeping dread, allowing the horror to simmer rather than explode all at once. While this approach effectively heightens suspense, some viewers may find the film’s measured pace a bit too restrained, especially in the first half. However, the steady buildup pays off in the final act, where the narrative accelerates into a surreal, mind-bending climax. The film’s pacing ultimately mirrors its psychological themes—drawing the audience deeper into Goodman’s unraveling reality—making for an experience that is unsettling, if at times intentionally slow-burning.
Acting is one of the film’s strongest aspects, with each performance adding depth and authenticity to the film’s eerie atmosphere. Andy Nyman delivers a compelling lead performance as Professor Philip Goodman, perfectly capturing his character’s skepticism, growing unease, and eventual unraveling. Paul Whitehouse, Alex Lawther, and Martin Freeman each bring something unique to their respective segments.
Whitehouse portrays a working-class man haunted by a tragic encounter with raw realism. In fact ,as I was watching his story unfold, I couldn’t help but be reminded of someone I knew exactly like him that I worked with many years back. Specifically, when the spooky stuff starts to happen to him during his night shift, he kind of blows it off at first, something I felt to be very much, Lawther’s performance as a deeply disturbed teenager is intensely unsettling, and Freeman adds a charismatic yet chilling presence that lingers long after his scenes. The cast’s commitment to their roles makes the supernatural elements feel all the more believable, elevating Ghost Stories beyond a typical horror anthology into something far more psychological and immersive.
Cinematography was yet another aspect of the film that was done well. The camera often lingers on empty spaces, creating a sense of unease and suggesting the presence of something unseen. The use of dim lighting and shadowy compositions heightens the feeling of claustrophobia and uncertainty, with scenes that seem to be on the edge of revealing something terrifying, but never fully expose it until the right moment. The framing is precise, often focusing on the protagonist’s reactions or the subtle movement in the background, adding to the unease. Particularly effective are the moments when the camera holds on still shots, allowing the audience to linger in the discomfort of a scene, with every shadow or flicker of light amplifying the growing sense of dread. One specific example of this is during a scene with the character Tony Matthews. After exploring the far end of the basement level of his building and discovering nothing amiss, he tries to calm his nerves by smoking a cigarette. In the background, the audience can see the lights in the hallway behind him turn off one by one; this was incredibly effective.
Conclusion
Overall, Ghost Stories is a meticulously crafted horror anthology that blends supernatural chills with psychological depth, offering a uniquely unsettling experience. With strong performances, a slow-burning but effective pace, and masterful use of cinematography and sound design, the film builds an eerie, immersive atmosphere that almost requires a second viewing. While its deliberate pacing and layered storytelling may not appeal to all horror fans, those who appreciate psychological horror and well-executed suspense will find plenty to admire. As I’ve mentioned in other articles, I have ADHD. With this in mind, when I say that this movie captured my full interest, it means it was extremely interesting. I like to take notes during both my viewings of the movies I review, and with this one I actually had to pause it so I could jot stuff down as I didn’t want to miss a single second. More than just a collection of ghostly encounters, Ghost Stories is a chilling exploration of guilt, fear, and the blurred lines between reality and the mind’s darkest corners.
Final Scare Me Please Score: Coma from hell, out of 100
Have you watched this movie? What did you think of it? Did you guess the ending? Which was the scariest story to you? Anything we missed? Have an idea for what we should watch next? Drop a comment below to let us know!
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