The Ghostmaker

The Ghostmaker from 2012 is a captivating supernatural thriller directed by Mauro Borrelli and co-written by Borrelli and Scott Svatos. The movie features a talented cast including Aaron Dean Eisenberg, J. Walter Holland, and Liz Fenning. The movie is interestingly poised around the themes of paranormal activities, showcasing Borrelli's immense talent for creating an eerie ambiance and attention-grabbing storytelling.

The film's premise revolves around the experiences of a group of friends who stumble upon an obscure coffin-like device with unknown origins. Aaron Dean Eisenberg plays the character of Kyle, a drug-using locksmith who is struggling to pay bills. His roommate, Plague, portrayed by J. Walter Holland, is a paraplegic man who relies on Kyle for help with daily aspects of life, while dealing with his own problems. Completing the trio is Sutton, the girlfriend of Kyle, played by Liz Fenning, who is working towards her degree and is wrestling with her relationship problems with Kyle.

These downtrodden friends are close to losing hope in life when they encounter an antiquated, coffin-like contraption, called the 'Ghost Machine' by its previous owner, while cleaning an elderly lady's attic. The trio’s curiosity leads them to this device, which is remarkably preserved despite its ancient semblance. After investigating further, they discover that this unusual piece of equipment possesses unique qualities, the ability to enable the user to momentarily experience what it's like to be a ghost. The machine sends its users into a 'near death experience', allowing them to leave their body and return without any harm seemingly done.

The friends quickly seized with the seduction of testing the Ghost machine, soon realize that exploring the realms of the supernatural might not be a harmless adventure after all. As the trio continuously uses the machine, they start experiencing the intoxicating thrill of moving through walls, terrifying others, and exploring places they would otherwise not have been able to. But, as in most supernatural phenomena, this seemingly harmless thrill becomes highly addictive and starts to take over their lives. Acting as ghosts gives them opportunities and power they didn’t possess in their ordinary lives, but also tempts them in dangerous ways.

The plunge from initial fascination to spiraling obsession is portrayed uniquely in the film, raising questions about power, addiction, and limitations. As the friends travel further down the rabbit hole, the line between their real life and ghost life starts to blur, pulling them towards a dark and sinister world where they are left grappling with unexpected consequences.

As the plot unfolds, the intensity heightens, posing the question - What happens when humanity gets mixed with supernatural powers? The Ghostmaker widely explores the paradox of human desires, power, and the lengths to which people can go when provided with extraordinary circumstances.

The characters' performances by the three leads further enhance the chilling and thrilling aspect of the film. Eisenberg's depiction of Kyle reflects the struggles of his toxic life, while Holland’s portrayal of Plague helps to empathize with his confined life. Fenning strikes a great balance in her portrayal as the concerned and ambitious girlfriend.

In the broader scope, The Ghostmaker is not just about a group of friends discovering a paranormal machine, it is a fascinating narrative about human desires and how far people will go to fulfill their wishes. Woven with startling moments and suspenseful storytelling, The Ghostmaker can leave viewers with an eerie, lingering thought – What would you do if you could be a Ghost?

The film makes good use of its premise, displaying an encouraging balance of intrigue, fear, and contemplative elements. The Ghostmaker is an impressive addition to the supernatural thriller genre, which brilliantly blends the metaphysical concept with its dark suspense. Its explorations of navigating the complexities of the human desire, the blurry lines between ethical boundaries, and the supernatural realm give a unique spin to this genre. With spine-chilling sequences and engaging storytelling, The Ghostmaker is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful thrillers and paranormal films.