Ghost Project (2023) is a simple but interesting film in the genre of horror science fiction directed by Federico Finkielstein and released in 2023. This approximately 77-minute film is based on a unique concept in which three young programmers discover an old device that detects spirits. They turn it into a smartphone app that allows anyone to see ghosts. The idea connects to the modern digital age and our mobile dependency. Although the presentation of the film does not always look impressive, Ghost Project is a true attempt to combine technology and supernatural fear. In this Ghost Project Review , we will review its story, acting, technical aspects and entertainment value.
Movie Overview
A mix of horror, science fiction, and fantasy, Ghost Project follows three curious programmers who discover a mysterious device and turn it into a mobile app. From writer Santiago Fernández Calvet, producer Magali Neiva, cinematography director Manuel Rebella, and editor Lionel Kornistein, the film explores the tension between technology and the supernatural. It was released digitally in 2023 in various countries. It streamed in the US on December 5, and was released earlier in Canada, the UK, Sweden, and Russia. The production involved both the US and Argentina, and the film was shot primarily in Argentina.
Story Summary
The premise of the film is simple. Three friends named Brian, Alice and Sysop discover an old device that can detect spirits. They turn it into a mobile application. Everything seems innocent at first, especially when Brian sees his late girlfriend’s face through the app. But the experiment quickly turns dangerous when hostile spirits begin to appear and strange glitches with the technology take a sinister turn. Eventually the experiment turns into tragedy when a spirit attacks and everything goes out of control.
Cast and acting
Ghost Project ‘s cast includes Juan Cruz Rola (Brian), Laura Casale (Alice), and Zhongbo Li Zhang (Sysop). They are joined by Raymond Carmichael, Gail Braddix, Camila Pizzo, and other supporting actors. All of the actors bring sincerity to their roles, although the dialogue doesn’t always sound natural due to the film’s low budget and occasional dubbing. Brian’s character, who is grieving for his dead girlfriend, manages to bring emotional depth. Alice’s nervous attitude adds tension to the atmosphere. Overall, the acting is uneven, yet the dedication is evident.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Federico Finkelstein comes up with an interesting idea but the presentation is often mediocre. The scares are fueled by repeated technical glitches, blurry visuals and jump scares that don’t seem new. Cinematographer Manuel Rebella captures the atmosphere of the abandoned factory but the lack of depth in lighting and camera angles makes the scenes look ordinary rather than scary. Editor Lionel Kornistein cuts the 77-minute duration at a brisk pace but the suspense building in the film remains weak.
Theme and style
The main theme of the film is the power of technology and its unseen dangers. What if a mobile app could show us spirits? This idea is deeply connected with modern digital culture. Brian’s attempt to see his girlfriend in virtual reality shows the conflict between grief and technology. As a style, the film takes a ‘found tech’ approach, switching between glitchy video of a smartphone screen and a virtual real world. However, this presentation seems more functional than artistic. The lack of deep symbolism or atmosphere makes it superficial.
Pros and cons
Features
- New idea Ghost showing mobile app
- the short period for which the momentum is maintained
- The dedication of the cast who tried to keep the film alive
- Some visuals cause momentary fright
Disadvantages
- Low budget and mediocre special effects
- Lack of depth to characters
- Dialogues sometimes sound artificial or misdubbed
- The horror scenes are mostly based on clichéd tricks
Overall, the idea of the film is interesting but it falls short in execution.
Audience and critic response
The film received mixed reviews from audiences and critics. Many viewers on IMDb criticized the acting and the coherence of the story. Review websites such as Movies & Mania and Nerdly called it a disappointment, stating that the CGI is average and the scares are too generic. However, some critics praised the concept and the dedication of the cast. Some users on Letterboxd called it a “unique but incomplete effort”. Overall, the film is seen as an experimental horror that appeals to a limited audience.
Final Ratings
| Category | Marks (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Story | 5/10 |
| Acting | 6/10 |
| Direction and Cinematography | 5/10 |
| Visuals/Effects | 5/10 |
| Entertainment Value | 5.5/10 |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 |
Final Verdict
Ghost Project (2023) has a unique idea of a ghost-showing app and the emotion of grief in the digital age but its execution is not that strong. The acting and short duration make it worth watching but weak dialogues, ordinary visuals and predictable scares do not leave the audience impressed. If you like horrors based on technical ideas then this film is worth watching once but it is not a memorable cinematic experience.