Ismael's Ghosts
The past never dies.
Directed by Arnaud Desplechin
Produced by Why Not Productions, France 2 Cinéma
A psychologically turbulent drama where a filmmaker's carefully constructed present unravels when his presumed-dead wife resurfaces, forcing him to confront unresolved trauma and competing loves.
Just as the disheveled and alcoholic filmmaker Ismaël embarks on a difficult new film project, his life is sent into a tailspin. His wife Carlotta, presumed dead for 20 years, come crashing back into his life creating chaos in his work and his current romantic relationship with the starry-eyed astronomer Sylvia.
Questions people ask
Is Ismael's Ghosts sad? Yes, very. More sad than 91% of films.
Is Ismael's Ghosts violent? Not especially. Less violent than 64% of films.
Does Ismael's Ghosts end with hope? Not especially. Less hopeful than 64% of films.
Is Ismael's Ghosts scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 61% of films.
Is Ismael's Ghosts easy watching? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.
These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.
Cinnamon Score
How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.
Conventional, and it does not land.
How unlike any other film this one feels
How much more it delivers than it promises
How much audiences actually like it
Ensemble
Like Ismael's Ghosts
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as Ismael's Ghosts
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like Ismael's Ghosts, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like Ismael's Ghosts, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like Ismael's Ghosts, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
