Ghost Bridge (2026) is a gleefully chaotic blend of paranormal horror and absurd comedy, leaning heavily into the idea that fear and laughter often come from the same place: the unknown. With a cast built for comedic chemistry and a premise rooted in urban legend, the film embraces its silliness while still delivering genuine spooky atmosphere.
Jack Black is perfectly cast as Charlie, the overconfident historian who believes every myth exists solely to be debunked by him. Black’s performance is loud, physical, and endearingly arrogant, but beneath the jokes is a character driven by insecurity—someone desperate to prove that the world still makes logical sense. His energy sets the tone for the film, anchoring the madness with charm.
John C. Reilly plays Charlie’s skeptical best friend with impeccable comedic restraint. While Black explodes with enthusiasm, Reilly grounds the film, delivering deadpan reactions and understated fear that often become the biggest laughs. His character’s slow shift from disbelief to sheer terror is one of the movie’s most entertaining arcs.
Emma Stone brings intelligence and confidence as the adventurous scientist, offering a sharp contrast to the chaos around her. She plays the “voice of reason” without becoming dull, balancing humor with curiosity and courage. Stone’s performance gives the film emotional credibility, especially as the mystery behind the bridge begins to feel genuinely unsettling.
Kristen Wiig steals scenes as the overly enthusiastic ghost-hunting expert. Her character treats supernatural danger like a theme park attraction, turning séances and hauntings into comedy routines. Wiig’s improvisational energy adds unpredictability, making every paranormal encounter feel delightfully unhinged.
Tonally, Ghost Bridge walks a tricky line between horror and comedy—and mostly succeeds. The ghosts aren’t just spooky; they’re mischievous, petty, and oddly playful. Pranks escalate into danger, and laughter slowly gives way to unease as the bridge reveals its darker history. The shift feels organic rather than forced.
Visually, the bridge itself is the film’s greatest asset. Fog-drenched cinematography, creaking wood, flickering lanterns, and distorted shadows create a haunting sense of place. The bridge feels alive—less a location and more a character with its own moods and grudges. The supernatural effects are subtle but effective, favoring atmosphere over excess CGI.
Narratively, the film surprises by digging into emotional territory. Beneath the jokes lies a story about forgotten souls, unresolved deaths, and the cost of being dismissed or ignored. The haunting isn’t random—it’s rooted in neglect, history, and denial, giving the comedy a surprisingly poignant backbone.
The pacing remains brisk, rarely overstaying a joke or scare. When the film slows down, it’s usually to allow the characters to reflect—or panic in hilariously human ways. The third act leans more into horror than comedy, raising the stakes without abandoning its playful identity.
Ultimately, Ghost Bridge succeeds because it understands its purpose: to entertain without pretending to be more serious than it is, while still respecting the horror genre. Funny, eerie, and full of personality, the film reminds us that some legends survive not because they’re false—but because no one listened when they were true.
