By: Mariah Thomas
Photo By Jeff Griecci
Mallory’s Ghost is one of those films that sticks with you. It also ingrains a new perspective into your head when it comes to relationships. Time and time again the idea of someone’s ex being part of your current relationship is brought up in media both visually and in song. Mallory’s Ghost offers such a fresh take that both point out the issue and find a solution.
Mallory (Arabella Oz) finds herself constantly doubting her work and worth in comparison to her playwright boyfriend Sam (Nick Canellakis). The two decide to go to a retreat together to regroup and focus on their work. They are staying in the home of an older woman named Lorna (Deplhi Harrington). Lorna accidentally lets slip that Sam had brought a previous girlfriend, Louise (Anjelica Bosboom), there and Lorna begins to spiral. Already in a space of questioning herself, the doubts on Sam’s feelings and figuring out who is the true muse drives her mad. Mallory begins to see a ghost who she assumes is Louise. Her obsession with this idea leads to many downfalls with Sam and Mallory is placed in direct situations to confront her fears once and for all.
This is a film that will have many replays for me. I was reminded of some of my favorite forms of media from The Haunting of Hill House to a David Lynch-esq angel sequence. It reinvents those concepts in an original way. I was captivated by the plot and the film as a whole rather than a singular moment. I can’t say too much without spoiling, but there are a few twists that leave so much room for conversation and self reflections. I also loved a specific shot at the end of Delphi Harrington. Her face from the neck up is fully in frame as she sports a purple gardening hat, purple eyeshadow and purple mascara with a pink lipstick. Not only is it a visually pleasing shot, it really highlights the importance and impact of Lorna in this world.
I always love films that are written, directed and starred in by the same person or set of people. Here Arabella Oz brought Mallory to life while also having written the film and directed. Nick Canellakis also co-directed while starring as Sam. There is always a deeper focus on the story when the actor is also in the headspace of the writer. There is a very clear and concise vision here that was beautifully crafted.
Mallory’s Ghost is definitely one of those films I’ll add to my list of making friends to watch to see their reactions. It is a piece of media I am certain will resonate in some way with most viewers. This SXSW movie is surely to become a quick favorite for many. Myself included.