Ghostland: A Brutal and Dynamic Slasher with a Paranormal Twist
A single mother and her two daughters find themselves terrorized in a secluded home in Ghostland, a film that blends slasher thrills with supernatural horror.
Synopsis
Colleen (Mylène Farmer), a single mother, inherits a remote house from a deceased relative and moves in with her teenage daughters, Beth (Emilia Jones) and Vera (Taylor Hickson). The house is filled with the deceased relative’s extensive doll collection, a collection of antique and bizarre toys. On their first night, the family is brutally attacked by two sadistic maniacs. The three women barely escape with their lives.
Years later, Beth (Crystal Reed) has become a successful horror novelist, while Vera (Anastasia Phillips) remains traumatized, mentally unstable, and reliving the horrors of that night. Colleen dedicates herself to caring for Vera, hoping for a breakthrough. When Beth returns home to help her mother, she begins experiencing disturbing visions, realizing that their family’s nightmare is far from over.
Fun Fact: In 2015, director Pascal Laugier directed the music video “City of Love” for Mylène Farmer.
Pascal Laugier’s Return to Horror
Pascal Laugier, the French director known for the controversial 2008 horror film Martyrs, returns with Ghostland. While not as overtly gory or pretentious as his previous work, Ghostland still caters to audiences who enjoy intense and frightening scenarios involving vulnerable women.
Did you know? Pascal Laugier once worked on a remake of “Hellraiser,” but his vision didn’t align with the producers’ expectations.
A Blend of Horror Subgenres
Ghostland straddles two distinct horror subgenres: atmospheric supernatural horror, relying on jump scares, eerie visions, and unsettling dolls, and slasher horror, focusing on the family’s desperate fight for survival against relentless maniacs. Unlike films that attempt to humanize their villains, Ghostland portrays its antagonists as near-silent, monstrous figures, embodying the classic slasher trope. There is no reasoning with them, only resistance.
The ilm’s narrative complexity is more intricate than it initially appears. Ghostland even touches upon philosophical themes, though these may only be apparent to those willing to delve into its metaphors and allegories amidst the on-screen suffering. Mylène Farmer’s presence adds another layer to the film, showcasing her talent as an actress rather than a singer.
Intense and Unrelenting
Clocking in at ninety minutes, Ghostland is a relentless experience, with the exception of its prologue, epilogue, and a brief respite between acts. The film maintains a high level of emotional tension, akin to a pressure cooker, while keeping the overt gore relatively restrained (at least by torture-horror standards).
While Ghostland doesn’t shy away from its influences and genre tropes, there’s a certain enjoyment to be found in recognizing the film’s homages and appreciating its execution of familiar elements. Overall, the film is a strong, albeit derivative, work that will undoubtedly appeal to a specific audience.