Year: 2023
Runtime: 127 min
Language: English
Director: Christopher B. Landon
A suburban family’s life is upended when they discover Ernest, a playful ghost, living in their new home. Kevin, the young son, and Ernest become unlikely friends and quickly gain social media attention. However, their newfound fame leads them on a quest to uncover Ernest's mysterious past, revealing a surprising connection to a dangerous CIA conspiracy and putting them all in peril.
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Still thinking about how We Have a Ghost (2023) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.
When Kevin and his family finally uncover the truth about Ernest, they learn that the ghost they befriended was not the original owner of the house but someone named Randy McGovern, who had assumed Ernest’s identity to hide his own tragic past. Randy was a man haunted by the loss of his wife and struggles with guilt after killing himself and accidentally causing the death of Ernest, the real owner. Randy was murdered by Ernest, who, in a twisted attempt to hide his crimes, had dressed Randy’s body as his own and hidden it in the backyard, effectively framing himself for murder. As the truth comes to light, Randy’s spirit is finally able to find peace after Kevin and his family help him reunite with his daughter, June, whom he had left behind in his tragic attempt to escape his shame.
With Randy’s death rectified and the truth exposed, he is able to cross over into the afterlife. The film suggests that Randy’s spirit gets closure and can finally rest, thanks to Kevin’s kindness and persistence. The CIA, having finally understood the reality, takes Randy’s spirit into custody using special technology but, recognizing the emotional depth of his story, Dr. Leslie Monroe chooses to help him escape rather than experiment on him. The story concludes with Kevin feeling a special connection to Randy, who seemingly still watches over him, indicated by a blinking light at the end. Ultimately, Kevin’s journey shows that understanding and compassion can bring peace, even to restless spirits, and that sometimes facing the truth is the only way to set someone free. The Presley family leaves their haunted house a little lighter, with a newfound appreciation for the love and sacrifices made by their family, especially their father Frank, who proves to still be a hero in Kevin’s eyes.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00
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