Talking To Ghosts: Review

27th August 2023

Ciara (Nina Holland-Smith) has everything she ever wanted, she has a loving partner and a baby on the way and life feels like bliss. However, life has a way of doing things that we don’t expect, and soon she loses everything. Feeling lost and desperate, Ciara decides that it’s time to do something about it and after talking with a friend, she decides to take some extreme measures to make some money.

Meeting with Robin (Neizan Fernandez), a small-time arms dealer, Ciara expresses her interest in doing a job. All they have to do is deliver the merchandise, take the money and go.

It seems like an easy job, but once they meet Joseph (Grahame Edwards), they realise that this eccentric and embittered albeit enthusiastic buyer could cause them some problems. Not to mention that they have to wait a day until the money gets delivered.

Talking to Ghosts is a crime thriller written and directed by Ryan J. Smith. The kind of story which has a simple set up and may even be used for broad comedy in other hands becomes a nuanced and thought-provoking story with its writer/director.

Also, for a first-time lead Holland-Smith does an excellent job and has a great screen presence. Able to bring the tough, no-nonsense aspects to her character, as well as participating in the lighter tones that the film displays.

Perhaps something with more mainstream appeal than Smith’s previous film Lottery, Talking to Ghosts shows that he may have a bright future as a director. Showing an ability to be able to mix light humour with issues that are dark and potentially life changing, Smith deals with his characters like real people. Managing to do so by never undermining their innermost thoughts with contrivances of plot or an ulterior motive for romance between his leads.

There were many different paths that Talking to Ghosts could have taken and after a while, it does settle down whilst still being a compelling watch. Although the final act twist does change the tone somewhat, it’s director Smith who keeps it afloat while satisfying his audience.

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