What happens after we are gone? What is life without human connection? Is there something waiting for us in the end? These questions rattle in our heads time and time again, echoing stronger throughout the years. In a different variation of a ghost story, Pete Ohs’ Jethica explores those thoughts and uncertainties in a comedic fashion. The film follows Jessica and Elena, who reconnect in a New Mexico gas station after a long time.
Jessica has been living in fear because a man named Kevin is stalking her. However, Elena has also been having some troubles as she hides in her deceased grandmother’s ranch. When Kevin unexpectedly arrives, the two must seek help from beyond the grave to get rid of him for good. It won’t be an easy task to do so, as the only way to get rid of a ghost is with another spirit, and that’s where the chuckle-worthy pandering comes from. It reminded me of Colin West’s Double Walker, with a bit of a Jim Jarmusch deadpan vibe. Albeit some of the same problems that I had with West’s feature translate to this one.
It has an intriguing concept and ideas that could go in various directions but it, unfortunately, takes the shorter route and doesn’t expand on its lore. However, it does have some nice performances by the leading duo of Hernandez and Robinson and some minimalistic yet beautiful cinematography which adds to the veritable solitude of life itself. Although it doesn’t achieve its full potential, Jethica engages for its short 70-minute runtime with comedic & melancholic blues.
7/10
