Bizarre Horror/Drama Mashup ‘A Ghost Story’ Is Now Streaming Free on Tubi

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Supernatural horror films have followed many different formulas over the years. It often feels like everything’s been done before in the world of ghosts and monsters. But nearly a decade ago, David Lowery released a film that offered a fresh take on ghosts and the afterlife. While titled A Ghost Story, it’s not a typical horror movie at all. It’s a truly unique and moving experience, and it’s currently available to stream for free on Tubi – a perfect way to reconnect with your feelings.

Released in the summer of 2017 by A24, A Ghost Story is a unique and moving film starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara. Director David Lowery developed the idea after experiencing a personal hardship and finding himself deeply connected to a particular place. As he explained to ComingSoon, this inspired him to create a story about a ghost, but one that’s less about scares and more about exploring big questions about life and existence, resulting in a truly unusual and captivating film.

‘A Ghost Story’ Is Not Your Average Ghost Movie

The film, A Ghost Story, centers on a musician who dies in a car crash, leaving his wife, M, to cope with the loss. After identifying his body, M says goodbye, but he unexpectedly returns – as a ghost. Wrapped in a sheet, he haunts her as she grieves and eventually begins to move on with her life. Determined to make his presence known, the ghost tries everything to show M he’s still there and unwilling to let go.

A recently departed ghost returns to his house, hoping to comfort his grieving wife. But as a spirit, he’s lost in time, unable to interact and forced to watch helplessly as his life and the woman he loves change without him.

Okay, so A Ghost Story isn’t going to give you jump scares, but it definitely plays with those classic haunted-house themes. Director David Lowery takes a really interesting approach, though, focusing on the spiritual and emotional side of things rather than the frights. As my colleague Louisa Moore at Screen Zealots put it, it’s a “complex, dreamlike journey through the past, present and future, and one that makes you question your very existence in the enormity of the universe.” And she’s not alone in feeling that way. The film is consistently ranked among Lowery’s best, boasting a fantastic 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes and that coveted ‘Certified Fresh’ badge. It’s a thoughtful, haunting piece – one that stays with you long after the credits roll.

A Poignant Approach to Explaining Why Ghosts Remain


A24

Lowery crafts a deliberately paced, emotional story, avoiding typical horror tropes. Rather than portraying Rooney Mara’s character, M, as haunted by a ghost, the film depicts her as someone overcome by grief who actively chooses to let go of a painful memory. On the other side of this emotional journey is C, a ghost tethered to the world while he waits for an unknown resolution. When he finally finds it, the outcome is surprisingly impactful.

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The final act of A Ghost Story takes a surprisingly unpredictable turn, and it might even make you think about the meaning of life. This unusual and moving film is unlike anything you’ve likely seen before, and it could leave you feeling deeply emotional and, perhaps, at peace. Be prepared to cry – it’s a tearjerker.

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2026-02-06 14:02