Ghost Light

Ghost Light is a 2018 black comedy film directed by John Stimpson and featuring an ensemble cast including Roger Bart, Tom Riley, Shannyn Sossamon, among others. The movie is centered around the superstitions that haunt the theater world - specifically the infamous curse of Shakespeare's Macbeth. This lively and entertaining comedy is an affectionate satire that takes a quirky look at theater culture, with engaging performances, witty dialogue, and genuinely funny moments.

The plot follows a ragtag group of actors contracted by a small theater company in the Berkshires, an idyllic rural region of western Massachusetts known for its vibrant arts scene. The troop of thespians is charged with the task of performing 'Macbeth,' one of Shakespeare's most notorious plays. However, the actors soon encounter a variety of unusual and increasingly bizarre occurrences. Every misfortune, misunderstanding, and mishap is attributed to 'the curse', feeding into the long-standing theater superstition that Macbeth is a cursed play.

Roger Bart plays the character of Alex, a Broadway has-been who grapples with the past and the potential of better days. He delivers a captivating performance, grounding the larger-than-life theatricality of the film with his more human and relatable struggle. His overtly dramatic gestures, quick wit and humor make him a splendid individual to watch.

Tom Riley plays the role of Thomas, the company's lead actor. He's a method actor who takes the superstition of the 'Macbeth curse' very seriously, perhaps more so than anyone else in the group. He is hellbent on ensuring everyone follows the ‘rules’ surrounding the curse, and his obsession soon leads to some genuinely hilarious situations, providing much of the film's comedy.

A strong foil to the men is Shannyn Sossamon, who plays Liz Beth Stevens, an actress in the company. She’s smart, talented, and is the voice of reason amongst the escalating madness surrounding the curse. Her character brings a level of sanity and balance to the overall drama playing out.

The balance between comedy and suspense is carefully managed, allowing for moments of light-hearted humor that, in turn, only serve to intensify the moments of eerie suspense. There is an undeniable comedic flair to Ghost Light, enhanced by sharp writing and excellent pacing. The film's humor ranges from the absurd to the subtle, complemented by a well-crafted sense of timing, and enhanced by the performances of the actors.

Despite being an obvious comedy, Ghost Light doesn't neglect the essence of drama that so often defines the theater. Central to the plot are several themes that resonate with anyone who's felt the joy and pain of the show business world: pride, envy, ambition, and, of course, the magic and mystery that come with performing on stage. The film beautifully uses the backdrop of the 'cursed' play to explore these themes, delivering a critique of the theater while never losing its affectionate tone.

Visually, Ghost Light also succeeds, with a well-realized setting that captures the quintessential charm of small-town theater — the slightly rundown theater, the quaint costumes, and of course, the backwoods isolation that amplifies the overall mysteriously eerie ambiance. The cinematography is carried out excellently, intensifying the atmosphere during the more tense moments and highlighting the stunning natural beauty of the Berkshires during the lighter scenes.

Ghost Light is a uniquely themed comedy that artistically combines elements of horror, mystery, and suspense to bring the legend of the 'Macbeth curse' to life. It generates laughter, suspense, and moments of unexpected emotion, turning theater superstitions into an engaging cinematic journey. This movie is for anyone with an interest in theater, Shakespeare, or just a love for unique comedy. The film pays homage to the eccentric world of the theatre, proving that the show really must go on, no matter what bizarre pre-show rituals or daunting superstitions stand in the way.