That's the Spirit

That’s the spirit is an expression not meant to be taken literally. It’s a general endearment of somebody getting into the mood of the occasion and partaking in an activity, usually a frivolous one. It’s a positive phrase, one so far removed from the literal interpretation that ‘That’s the Spirit’ takes, and that is part of what makes the title entertaining. The film itself is funny all too briefly. It commits to the bit too much and for too long, and quickly becomes stale in its style and humour.

From the very beginning the film wrong foots you, giving the impression of a horror film. Eerie music and a mischievous laughter set the tone for something much more ominous, before writer and director Ryan Crepack changes tone artfully to that of a comedy. The horror set up is essential to the later themes of the film, whilst also managing to increase the pain and suffering of what comes next.

Sean, an online therapist played by Ryan Crepack, has a session with his sole client, Leonard (played by Steve Lo Biondo), and Leonard, as it transpires, is far far worse than any haunted house. He is afraid of everything, and constantly complains about the smallest things, whilst never taking an introspective look at himself. The conversation between Sean and Leonard begins strongly, with several wryly humorous lines, but soon becomes dry and repetitive, as the same sort of verbal barbs and witticisms are repeated over and over again.

This is the case again later in the film when Sean meets the Ghost (played by Dave Esposito), that inspires the film’s title. Whilst initially their dialogue livens up the film as it is a refreshing break from the therapy session with Leonard, it soon descends into further mundanity. The conversation goes on for too long, uncut, and without any change in tempo or tone. It is simply two people discussing the nature of the ghost’s character and motivations, without any interesting or inciting incident to raise the stakes or change either character’s perception.

This isn’t helped by the performance of Ryan Crepack. He delivers each line too blandly, too expressionlessly, and as though his character is automatically superior. There is a sense of superiority in everything he says, which quickly becomes grating particularly as the scenes become longer and more drawn out. The character doesn’t work for the lead role of a film, and neither does he as the actor. However, Crepack’s directing is significantly better than both his acting and writing, and he directs the film solidly throughout, making the most out of a limited budget, and using a number of interesting shots and angles that elevate otherwise mediocre moments.

‘That’s the Spirit’ is a tiring film. There’s a strong idea and concept behind it but it’s execution is poor, with too much focus on the repetitive, dry conversations between it’s lead and two other characters, and not enough to keep the film feeling fresh throughout.