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Ghoul

Ghoul (2012)

In the tradition of Stephen King’s Stand by Me, Chiller’s original film Ghoul – based on the celebrated novel by author Brian Keene — tells the story of three damaged children who set out to find who, or what, is behind a rash of local disapperances. Staring Modern Family‘s Nolan Gould, the film explores the darkness that hides behind small town life. It is the summer of 1984 when a teenage couple goes missing among the gravestones of the local cemetery. Twelve-year-old Timmy and his best friends, Barry and Doug, have grown up hearing stories about a sinister Ghoul that haunts the cemetery. Eventually, they begin to wonder if the horrific legend might actually be real. Timmy and his friends are forced to put their friendship to the ultimate test when they dig up long-buried secrets, facing their personal demons and the one hiding underground.

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Directed by Gregory Wilson

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Crew

Director
  • Gregory Wilson

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Thriller/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Ghoul presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Gregory Wilson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Ghoul took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 104 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2012, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: April 13, 2012
  • Runtime: 1h 20m

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