Poltergay

Poltergay is a French horror-comedy film released in 2006, directed by Eric Lavaine. The movie stars Clovis Cornillac, Julie Depardieu, and Lionel Abelanski. Through a unique blend of laughter and suspense, Poltergay delivers an unconventional romantic comedy that tackles the theme of homosexuality with a paranormal twist.

As the story unfolds, The main character, Marc (Clovis Cornillac), a robust and determined boxer, falls in love with Emma (Julie Depardieu), who's a spirited ceramic artist with a knack for independence. The film is heavily grounded in their love story and the surprising journey they embark on after their lives intersect. Despite their stark differences, the two decide to take a significant step in their relationship and move in together in a beautiful old house that Emma has inherited from her aunt.

Unknown to them, their new house holds a secret from the past, the home was previously a gay nightclub in the 1970s which had unfortunately witnessed a tragic incident. Five young men, who were partying in the basement when a freak inadvertent electrocution incident occurred, passed away and their spirits have since shared the house. These spirits are unaware of their demise and continue partying eternally, their existence unknown to the living.

Suddenly, strange things start happening around Marc when he is alone, creating a hilariously unusual paranormal activity backdrop. From unexpected blasts of disco music to spontaneous, invisible bouts of cleaning, the ghosts' antics barely disrupt the couple's everyday life until their presence begins to press on Marc's nerves. He is the only one between him and Emma who can see and interact with these extravagant ghosts.

The playful spirits, particularly the flirty leader of the group, playfully haunt and tease Marc, assuming he's gay due to the series of miscommunications. Meanwhile, Emma is only left bewildered by Marc's bizarre reactions and behaviour, as from her perspective, everything in the house is normal.

Interwoven with funny and unnerving incidents, Poltergay brilliantly paints an entertaining supernatural adventure. Fantasy elements are brilliantly blended with comedic scenarios, creating an engaging atmospheric backdrop that keeps viewers amused from start to finish.

As Marc grapples with this sudden, uncanny intrusion to his peaceful life, the movie also scrutinises his reactions towards homosexuality, his masculinity, and how he deals with this vibrant group of gay apparitions. The film isn't just a supernatural comedy but also provides commentary on homophobia, subtly examining Marc's discomfort towards this persona of masculinity that openly dotes upon him.

Anchored by an excellent performance by Clovis Cornillac and Julie Depardieu, the movie is an emotional, sweet, and often hilarious narrative of love, acceptance and the bizarre incidents that transpire in their haunted house. Cornillac convincingly portrays Marc's confusion and terror, all while juggling elements of humour that come with his character's situation. Depardieu provides an effective counterbalance with her portrayal of Emma, grounded and understanding, yet amusingly oblivious to the literal ghosts haunting her boyfriend.

Lionel Abelanski and the rest of the ensemble cast playing the apparitions are also commendable, their characters are playful, joyous and keep the viewer entertained with their disco-era inspired antics and stylised mannerisms. They inhabit their characters with gleeful enthusiasm, imbuing the film with a distinct charm and infectious energy.

The film's direction, paired with unique cinematography aids in crafting an eerie, sometimes claustrophobic atmosphere while also maintaining a distinctly light-hearted, comedic tone. The design of the ghosts, the house, and other visual elements are detailed and colorful, reflecting the vibrant, unending party that the spirits are trapped in.

Set amid a captivating backdrop of love, acceptance, and ghostly humour, Poltergay is a refreshing take on the haunted house narrative that is usually dominated by outright horror films. Whether you're a fan of comedies or supernatural thrillers, this movie offers an appealing blend of both genres and will certainly leave you entertained.