Movie spotlight
Darby and the Dead
After Darby Harper suffered a near-death experience as a child, she gained the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
Insights
Plot Summary
A shy, introverted high school student named Darby Harper develops the ability to see and communicate with the dead after a near-death experience. She initially uses her powers to help ghosts find peace, but her life takes a turn when the ghost of a popular clique leader asks her to be her living liaison. Darby must navigate the complexities of the living and the dead, all while trying to help her new spectral friend resolve unfinished business.
Critical Reception
Darby and the Dead received mixed to positive reviews. Critics generally praised its unique premise, humor, and the performances of its young cast, particularly Auli'i Cravalho. However, some found the plot to be predictable and the blend of comedy and supernatural elements to be uneven at times.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its fun and inventive take on the afterlife comedy genre.
Auli'i Cravalho's central performance was frequently highlighted as a strong point.
Some critics noted a lack of originality in the plot's execution.
Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's lighthearted humor and its unique supernatural premise. Many found it to be an entertaining and feel-good movie with a charming cast, though some wished for more depth in the storytelling.
Fun Fact
The film was originally developed by Endeavor Content and has been described as a 'John Tucker Must Die' meets 'Ghost' for a new generation.
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