Adjacent to Windows 95 and Gameboys, rom-coms were unquestionably the foundation of the 1990’s. The apex of this genre was Ghost. After the abrupt death of young New York banker Sam (Patrick Swayze), the story follows the emotional aftermath of his girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore). However, unknown to Molly, Sam stands among the living to fulfill unfinished business.
The narrative is not what the audience is interested in so much as the way it is told. The script is a dangerously effective tragic fantasy drama, expertly directed by usual comedy director Jerry Zucker. Cliché sentimentality is avoided, instead offering an odyssey of human emotion. Moore provides a masterclass in the art of crying, drawing the audience into her despair and leaving us to wonder whether she is acting in the first place.
Sam interacts with the living through whispers and shadows, frustrating Molly and the audience alike as we yearn for a final kiss or reunion. Zucker does not disappoint nor fail to reward us for our emotional expense. In the penultimate scene, a materialized Sam and Molly slow dance to “Unchained Melody” byThe Righteous Brothers. In this bitter sweet moment, her pain melts away to reveal a long gestating acceptance of his death. With the exception of The Notebook, no film has quite toyed with our emotions since. As the reality of self-isolation looms, this classic demands a reviewing, accompanied by man-sized tissues and your other half in cuddling distance. Tears aplenty.
8/10: But can ghosts make their dick corporeal?