BBC iPlayer has just introduced a chilling horror movie to its streaming library, and it comes with an ending that has proven to be extremely divisive among audiences. The film, titled "Ghost Stories," is a 2017 British supernatural thriller that originally began as a long-running stage play before being adapted for the screen.
A Skeptic's Journey into the Paranormal
Written and directed by Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson, "Ghost Stories" centers on Professor Phillip Goodman, portrayed by Andy Nyman himself. Goodman is a devoted skeptic who has built his entire career on exposing fraudulent psychics and debunking claims of the paranormal. The plot thickens when he receives a mysterious invitation to investigate three unsolved cases of alleged hauntings, sent by his missing hero and role model, Charles Cameron.
Three Terrifying Cases
The three cases that draw Goodman into a world of supernatural intrigue include a night watchman played by Paul Whitehouse in an abandoned asylum, a teenage boy portrayed by Alex Lawther describing a disturbing incident in the woods, and a wealthy businessman played by Martin Freeman who shares a chilling story about his home. As Goodman delves deeper into these investigations, he encounters a series of experiences that begin to challenge his firmly held worldview, paying homage to classic British horror traditions.
Audience Reactions: Praise and Criticism
The film has generated passionate responses from viewers, particularly regarding its controversial conclusion. On IMDb, user diffguy described the film as "an extremely interesting series of ghostly investigations that force a haughty paranormal skeptic to question his life's work." However, they noted that despite loving much of the film, the "last 15 minutes" let everything down and "severely weakened" the overall experience.
Another viewer named Simon praised some "good jump scares and moments" but ultimately found the ending disappointing. Meanwhile, Hugh called the overall product "chilling," stating: "Ghost Stories is highly effective, lingering on in the memory the way all good cerebrally-challenging psychological horrors should."
Jon offered more enthusiastic praise, commenting: "Great acting, well shot and directed, with a very British sense of humour sprinkled throughout. Do not read too much about this movie, just go and experience it, I think you will find it scary, interesting and most of all worth your time."
Anti-Valentine's Day Viewing
The release timing coincides with February, traditionally associated with romance, offering an alternative for viewers who have grown tired of cheesy rom-coms. BBC iPlayer appears to be positioning "Ghost Stories" as the perfect anti-Valentine's antidote, though with the warning that viewers might have trouble sleeping after watching.
Additional Horror Content on BBC iPlayer
Earlier this week, BBC iPlayer also made available another horror film titled "Bones and All," originally released in 2022 and already streaming on Amazon Prime. This twisted horror stars Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet alongside Taylor Russell, following a young woman who develops a fascination with cannibalism and embarks on a journey across America.
The addition of these horror titles to BBC iPlayer's catalog reflects a strategic move to diversify content offerings, particularly during a month typically dominated by romantic programming. For horror enthusiasts and those seeking alternatives to Valentine's Day fare, these releases provide compelling viewing options with substantial critical and audience discussion surrounding their merits and flaws.
