Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

The Mysterious Farmhouse

The story begins with the mysterious death of Egon Spengler, one of the original Ghostbusters, in a small town in Oklahoma. His estranged daughter, Callie (Carrie Coon), inherits his old farmhouse and moves there with her children, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace). The farmhouse is filled with ghost-hunting equipment, but the family is unaware of its significance.

The Discovery of Ghostbusters’ Legacy

Phoebe, a curious and scientifically inclined child, begins to uncover the secrets of her grandfather’s past. She finds a ghost trap and, with the help of her new friend Podcast (Logan Kim) and her science teacher Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd), accidentally releases a ghost, leading to a series of supernatural events in the town.

Uncovering the Ancient Threat

As Phoebe uncovers more of her grandfather’s research, she learns that the town was constructed on a mine once owned by Ivo Shandor, a cultist devoted to summoning Gozer, the ancient evil deity from the original Ghostbusters movie. The unusual seismic events in the town are tied to Gozer’s imminent return.

Reawakening the Ghostbusters

Realizing the danger, Phoebe contacts the remaining Ghostbusters: Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson). They reunite to help the new generation confront Gozer and save the world from another paranormal apocalypse.

The Climactic Battle Against Gozer

In the final act, Gozer is resurrected, and the town is overrun by ghosts. The new Ghostbusters, with help from the original team, engage in a thrilling battle against Gozer. The spirit of Egon Spengler appears to assist his family and former teammates in defeating Gozer once and for all.

Movie Ending

The movie ends on a poignant note with the original Ghostbusters saying their goodbyes to Egon’s spirit, who has found peace after helping his family. The Spengler family stays in the town, with Phoebe embracing her grandfather’s legacy. The final scene hints at the possible continuation of the Ghostbusters’ legacy, with the Ecto-1 driving off into the unknown.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes, there are two post-credits scenes.

Mid-Credits Scene: A humorous scene with Peter Venkman and Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) playing a psychic card game, recalling a scene from the original film.
Post-Credits Scene: Winston Zeddemore, now a successful businessman, returns the Ecto-1 to New York, possibly setting up future Ghostbusters adventures.

Type of Movie

“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is a supernatural comedy with elements of science fiction and family drama. It serves as both a sequel to the original Ghostbusters films and a tribute to the franchise.

Cast

Mckenna Grace as Phoebe Spengler
Finn Wolfhard as Trevor Spengler
Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler
Paul Rudd as Mr. Grooberson
Logan Kim as Podcast
Celeste O’Connor as Lucky Domingo
Bill Murray as Peter Venkman
Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stantz
Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore
Harold Ramis (Posthumous CGI) as Egon Spengler

Film Music and Composer

Rob Simonsen composed the score, drawing inspiration from Elmer Bernstein’s iconic music in the original Ghostbusters. He seamlessly blends nostalgic elements with new compositions, enriching the film’s emotional depth and adventurous energy.

Filming Locations

Alberta, Canada: The small town scenes were primarily filmed in the town of Drumheller, Alberta, which provided the rural backdrop for the movie’s setting.
Calgary, Canada: Some additional filming took place in Calgary, contributing to the film’s overall look and feel.

These locations helped create the quaint, isolated town atmosphere crucial to the story.

Awards and Nominations

Saturn Awards: Nominated for Best Fantasy Film.
Visual Effects Society Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Tribute to Harold Ramis: The team created the film as a heartfelt tribute to Harold Ramis, who portrayed Egon Spengler in the original Ghostbusters. They used CGI to recreate his likeness for the film’s emotional climax.
Practical Effects: Director Jason Reitman used a mix of practical effects and CGI to capture the feel of the original Ghostbusters, staying true to the franchise’s roots.
Original Cast Reunion: Reuniting the original cast was a major accomplishment, as the actors shared their deep emotional ties to the project and its lasting impact.

Inspirations and References

Original Ghostbusters Films: The movie heavily references the 1984 and 1989 Ghostbusters films, including returning characters, iconic props like the Ecto-1, and the villain Gozer.
Nostalgia for the 1980s: The film taps into 1980s nostalgia, not just through direct references but also in its storytelling style and aesthetic.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While there are no widely known alternate endings, the narrative was tightened by shortening or removing some scenes. The post-credits scenes were likely added to suggest potential future sequels.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is an original sequel, so there isn’t a direct book adaptation. However, it stays true to the spirit of the original Ghostbusters movies and their novelizations.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Phoebe’s First Ghost Encounter: When Phoebe releases a ghost from the trap, marking her first experience with the paranormal.
The Battle with Gozer: The climactic showdown where both the new and original Ghostbusters fight Gozer.
Egon’s Spirit Appears: Egon’s ghost helping his family, a touching tribute to the original character.

Iconic Quotes

“There is no mom, only Zuul!” – Callie (possessed by Zuul)
“We’re closed!” – Ray Stantz, answering the phone at Ray’s Occult Books.
“I love this town!” – Winston Zeddemore, during the final battle.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Twinkie Reference: A Twinkie is seen in the film, a nod to Egon’s famous “big Twinkie” line from the original movie.
Shandor’s Coffin: The tomb of Ivo Shandor, the architect from the original film, is found in the mine, and he briefly awakens before being destroyed by Gozer.
Ecto-1’s Upgrades: The classic Ghostbusters car now has new features, including a gunner seat, showing modifications that Egon made.

Trivia

Jason Reitman directed the film, following in the footsteps of his father, Ivan Reitman, who led the original Ghostbusters.
Mckenna Grace, who plays Phoebe, also performed the song “Haunted House” featured in the movie.
The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man makes a return in the form of mischievous mini Stay-Pufts.

Why Watch?

“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is a nostalgic yet fresh take on the beloved franchise. It offers a mix of humor, heart, and ghostly fun, making it a great watch for both new audiences and long-time fans of the original films.

Director’s Other Movies

Juno (2007)
Up in the Air (2009)
Young Adult (2011)
Tully (2018)
The Front Runner (2018)