“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is a 2021 American supernatural comedy film directed by Jason Reitman, who co-wrote the screenplay with Gil Kenan. Serving as a direct sequel to the original “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Ghostbusters II” (1989), it stands as the third mainline installment and the fourth film overall in the Ghostbusters franchise. The film introduces a new generation to the ghostbusting world while honoring its classic roots.
The narrative centers on Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), the estranged daughter of the late Egon Spengler, who relocates her children, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), to a dilapidated farmhouse in Summerville, Oklahoma, inherited from her father. As the family settles into their new home, they begin to uncover secrets about their grandfather’s past and his connection to the original Ghostbusters.
Phoebe, a scientifically inclined and curious young girl, discovers Egon’s hidden laboratory and equipment, including the iconic proton packs and the Ecto-1 vehicle. With the help of her teacher, Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd), and her new friend, Podcast (Logan Kim), Phoebe delves into the mysteries surrounding Summerville, which is experiencing unexplained seismic activities.
The group soon realizes that a supernatural threat is looming, linked to the malevolent entity Gozer, whom the original Ghostbusters had previously defeated. As paranormal occurrences escalate, the young team must embrace their legacy and, with assistance from the original Ghostbusters, confront the impending doom to save their town.
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” features a blend of new talent and returning favorites:
The journey to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” began with Jason Reitman, son of original director Ivan Reitman, aiming to craft a story that would honor his father’s work while introducing the franchise to a new audience. The screenplay, co-written with Gil Kenan, focuses on family, legacy, and the passing of the torch to a younger generation. Filming took place in various locations across Canada, with Calgary, Alberta, serving as a primary backdrop for the fictional town of Summerville. The production team meticulously recreated iconic props and vehicles, ensuring authenticity and nostalgia for fans of the original films.
Composer Rob Simonsen was tasked with creating the film’s score, aiming to capture the essence of the original music while infusing it with a contemporary feel. The soundtrack incorporates Elmer Bernstein’s iconic themes from the 1984 film, blending them seamlessly with new compositions to evoke both nostalgia and excitement. The result is a musical experience that complements the film’s tone and pays homage to its predecessors.
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” premiered at CinemaCon on August 23, 2021, and was subsequently released in the United States on November 19, 2021. The film received a mix of critical responses, with praise directed at its heartfelt narrative, performances (particularly Mckenna Grace’s portrayal of Phoebe), and respectful nods to the original films. Some critics felt that the reliance on nostalgia overshadowed the introduction of new elements. At the box office, the film performed well, grossing over $204 million worldwide against a $75 million budget, signaling a successful revival of the beloved franchise.
The success of “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” has reignited interest in the franchise, leading to discussions about future installments. A sequel, titled “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” has been announced, with plans to continue the story of the Spengler family and their connection to the ghostbusting legacy. The film aims to explore new supernatural challenges while further developing the characters introduced in “Afterlife.”
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the original films, successfully bridging the gap between generations of fans. By introducing new characters while honoring the legacy of the original Ghostbusters, the film revitalizes the franchise for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers. Its blend of humor, heart, and supernatural adventure ensures that the spirit of ghostbusting remains alive and well for years to come.
