Hauntology

Venus and Jazmin’s story unfolds as a quest to confront and banish the ghost of William Cashel, a malevolent spirit linked to their family’s dark past. Throughout the film, we learn that William was a homophobic, racist, and misogynistic figure who murdered Mabel Bishop, their ancestor, in the past. The two sisters navigate through a series of haunted locations, each linked to their family’s history, and gather artifacts necessary for a ritual to banish William. When they finally enter the abandoned Cashel House, William’s ghost attempts to kill Venus, but she is protected by Jaz’s protective obsidian. With the help of Mabel and another ancestor, May Felner, whose ghost appears to support them, they perform the ritual. Despite William’s desperate attempts to stop it, the banishing is successful, and his ghost is finally expelled. As the spirits retreat, Jaz and Venus share a moment of relief and laughter, symbolizing their victory over the oppressive forces that haunted their family and, by extension, their lives. The climax underscores the story’s themes: fighting against patriarchal and homophobic oppression, and reclaiming agency and peace. In the end, Venus chooses to return home, prepared to face her family, confident in her identity and united with her sister after their shared victory. The film closes on a note of empowerment and hope, emphasizing that confronting the ghosts of the past can lead to liberation and healing.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44