Ghosthunter

Ben Lawrence's 2018 film Ghosthunter profiles the intriguing and sometimes haunting world of the paranormal through the lens of a Sydney-based security guard turned amateur ghost hunter. Deviating deftly from a straightforward, traditional documentary format, Ghosthunter explores the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural, yet it stands grounded more on the character studies throughout, making it a heart-wrenching exploration of trauma and healing.

The main subject of the film, Jason King, is a part-time ghost hunter, security guard, and self-titled 'paranormal consultant'. He is a somewhat eccentric and incredibly fascinating figure. He claims to have had ghostly encounters from an early age, which sparked his interest in the paranormal. Much of his ghost hunting is done at night, in various Sydney locales that are said to be haunted, armed with an array of cameras, recorders and devices meant to detect spectral energies. Throughout the film, these investigations often serve as the backdrop to Jason's own personal exploration of haunting memories and a traumatic past.

Ben Lawrence guides viewers on this journey of intertwined tales of ghosts and past lives with remarkable affection and poise. His storytelling approach is unique, balancing within its fold the thrill of ghost hunting with the deeply personal narrative of Jason. Interestingly, Ghosthunter does not take a stance on the veracity of the paranormal encounters. Instead, it leaves doors of perception open, allowing viewers to conclude whether the eery instances were spectral, psychological, or a blend of both.

As Ghosthunter evolves over time, pivotal revelations about Jason's traumatic early life come to light. His persisting pursuit for his long-lost family adds an unexpected dimension to the movie, turning it into a dual quest: ghost hunting on one hand, and unravelling the haunting mysteries of one's past on another. This captivating jigsaw puzzle, stitched together with snippets of his childhood, marriage, and his ever-evolving relationship with his past, helps us understand Jason, the ghost hunter, at a much deeper level. It sheds light on the journey undertaken by him, peeling off layers from his persona and unearthing vulnerabilities as well as strengths, far removed from the supernatural.

Through breathtaking cinematography, Ben Lawrence paints a grimly atmospheric picture of the ghost-hunting escapades. The eerie darkness of the haunted locations, the sometimes shaky handheld footage and the unusual sounds in the background, all culminate into a terrifying tableau. Yet, it is not the mere documentation of ghost hunting where the film excels, rather it is where we see Jason in moments of quiet introspection, contemplation, and revelation. The depiction of domestic discomforts and uncertainties stands equally admirable against the chilling phantom-infused nocturnal scenes.

Ghosthunter also serves as a commentary on the human spirit’s resilience. It charts Jason's journey from victimhood to survivor, traumatised child to resilient man. It presents a nuanced perspective of the healing process, wading through the tumult of haunting past experiences and the strength it takes to confront these memories.

The film strikingly juxtaposes the physical, concrete reality of life in the suburbs, with the ethereal, ambiguous world of the supernatural. As viewers, it's hard not to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that Jason experiences, from fear to curiosity, from heart-breaking despair to a dogged hope for closure and healing.

In conclusion, Ghosthunter is not merely about the pursuit of apparitions. It transcends the traditional genre barriers to be something vastly more profound, a haunting examination of childhood trauma, family ties, survival and personal redemption. Despite being a film that circles around ghost hunting, it is not necessarily a horror film but bends more to the side of being a gripping psychological study and a deeply moving personal narrative.