Ghosts, directed by the talented Oriana Mejer, is a mesmerizing piece of experimental cinema that defies categorization. Part poem, part visual journey, part cathartic exploration of grief, this film leaves a lasting impression. Drawing from Vauhini Vara's essay on loss and its uncanny AI-generated poetry, Mejer crafts a story that is equally visually inspiring and emotionally resonant.
The film’s aesthetics are its most striking feature. Watching Ghosts is akin to gazing into a loving lava lamp—fluid, colorful, and impossible to look away from. The visuals, created using TouchDesigner by Thi Huy, personify the "universe" or "the ghost," whose ethereal presence fills the screen with an otherworldly beauty. It’s the kind of visual art that would feel right at home in a college film class, where the boundaries of creativity are pushed and celebrated. Despite being made on a Werner Herzog-style shoestring budget, the film looks exceptional and demonstrates how resourcefulness can yield profound artistry.
Rooted in Mexican culture, Ghosts beautifully incorporates the Día de Muertos philosophy of death as a continuation rather than an end. This perspective imbues the film with warmth and humor, softening its heavier themes. Mejer masterfully balances grief and levity, capturing moments of raw vulnerability alongside quirky human experiences, like squeaking Crocs in a church—a small but poignant reminder of life's absurdities even in its darkest moments.
The narrative, though abstract, centers on a young woman grappling with the loss of a loved one. Her journey of mourning and eventual connection with the ghost of her departed beloved unfolds like a dream. The film is anchored by two poems: one derived from Vara’s essay and another penned by Mejer herself. These verses weave through the score, composed by French musician Taime, whose atmospheric melodies amplify the film's haunting yet hopeful tone.
Mejer’s dual role as actress and director deserves applause. Her performance captures the aching vulnerability of someone consumed by loss, yet her directorial vision ensures that this emotion never becomes overwhelming. Instead, it transforms into something uplifting and universal, reminding us of the enduring presence of our loved ones.
Ghosts is not a conventional film; it feels more like a heartfelt love letter to those we’ve lost and the memories they leave behind. While its experimental structure and lack of narrative may not appeal to every viewer, those willing to embrace its unique format will find themselves deeply moved.
With Ghosts, Oriana Mejer cements herself as a creative force in the independent film world. This is a work that not only dazzles visually but also invites viewers to reflect on their own lives, losses, and connections. It’s a film that truly makes you feel something—and that alone is worth celebrating.
Jessie Hobson