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Ghosts of Christmas Past

Ghosts of Christmas Past (2021)

Ellie, a serial 'ghoster' on dating apps, is told by a fortune teller that she must resolve her past and make amends with all those she ghosted before Christmas, or she is destined to never find true love! Over the course of one week, she takes it upon herself to track down all the men she ghosted before the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve and discovers love in the process.

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Directed by Virginia Abramovich

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Virginia Abramovich
Producer
  • Adam Gowland

Reviews

CinemaSerf
5/10

"Ellie" (Annie Clark) isn't the nicest of souls. She has an habit of chatting with, or meeting, men - then ghosting them. With Christmas fast approaching, she feels a little adrift so heads to a psychic who tells her that she must make amends if she is ever to find real love for herself. So, armed with her mobile phone (this features as prominently as she does in this film) and her, handsome, tech-savvy pal from work "Charlie" (Dan Jeannotte) she sets about trying to apologise for her systemic rudeness over the years. These scenarios form the basis of the story, but the real tale is about the pair of them putting two and two together and, well, it's not rocket science. This is a perfectly watchable, equally forgettable, slice of seasonal slush that gives two B-listers a chance to show off their perfect teeth, deliver some cheesy lines and take us on a journey of self-discovery that leaves us in no doubt at all about what is going to happen at the end. You will not need any cerebral input for this, it is a feel-good, lightly comedic, drama that maybe, just maybe, points out just how thoughtless and ignorant people can be to those they meet online.

Nov 27, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Ghosts of Christmas Past examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Virginia Abramovich 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2021, 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 Ghosts of Christmas Past took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 370 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Ghosts of Christmas Past shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Just Friends, which focuses more on action than character development, Ghosts of Christmas Past offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Breaking Surface and David Harum explore similar territory, Ghosts of Christmas Past stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 14, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 25m

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