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Drama thriller

Ismael's Ghosts (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Ismael's Ghosts (2018) movie poster

Ismael's Ghosts is a 2018 drama thriller directed by Arnaud Desplechin, starring Marion Cotillard as Carlotta Bloom, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Louis Garrel. It runs 1 hour 54 minutes and earned $3.1 million worldwide. Critics gave it 51% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
51%
worldwide gross
$3.1M
Echo Score
68
Metascore
65
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Ismael's Ghosts (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 54m (114 min)
Genres
Drama , Thriller , Romance
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Ismael's Ghosts About?

The premise of Ismael's Ghosts without spoilers.

The unexpected return of Carlotta throws Ismael’s carefully constructed life into turmoil. His relationship with Sylvia is challenged as he grapples with the resurfacing of his past and the increasingly erratic behavior of Ivan Dédalus, the protagonist of his latest film. Ivan’s actions and personality begin to reflect Ismael’s own inner demons and artistic anxieties, blurring the lines between reality and fiction and forcing Ismael to confront uncomfortable truths about himself.

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Cast & crew

Ismael's Ghosts Cast & Characters

Marion Cotillard leads the cast as Carlotta Bloom, with Charlotte Gainsbourg as Sylvia and Louis Garrel as Ivan Dedalus. Directed by Arnaud Desplechin; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Ismael's Ghosts

· 6 more
Ratings

Ismael's Ghosts Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Ismael's Ghosts 51% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in sensory experience (75) and weakest in story & flow (55).

68 /100

Ismael's Ghosts Echo Score Breakdown

Ismael’s Ghosts presents a confident directorial style and striking visual moments but struggles with narrative cohesion. Critics noted compelling emotional beats and arresting intensity in key performances alongside uneven subplot integration. The film’s personal and contemplative tone earns praise for its thematic ambition even as its sprawling structure feels overextended. Overall, the blend of expressive craft and storytelling unevenness yields a moderately engaging but imperfect cinematic experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of Art & Craft, the film demonstrates assured direction and moments of striking visual composition. Several reviewers highlighted the evocative imagery in silent sequences and the film’s ability to flirt between realism and illusion. At the same time, some critics found the director’s cut self-indulgent and uneven in its assembly. The net impression is of strong individual craft elements within a somewhat indulgent overall approach.

  • Character & Emotion 72

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, the performances offer genuine emotional resonance and depth. Laszlo Szabo’s intense portrayal and the evocation of the protagonist’s psychological rupture garnered consistent praise. However, the abundance of subplots sometimes diffuses focus from the central relationships, leading to a sense of narrative fragmentation. Overall, the character work remains engaging but weakened by occasional lack of cohesion.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Story & Flow in Ismael’s Ghosts is notably mixed, combining satisfying surprises with narrative overreach. Some critics appreciated its unexpected flavourful turns and satisfying early acts, while others criticized an overly complex stew of subplots that dilute the film’s central conceit. The pacing and coherence suffer when too many threads compete for attention. In sum, the storyline intrigues at times but ultimately feels cluttered and uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Regarding the Sensory Experience, the film excels in its measured sound design and vibrant visual style. Silent moments resonate powerfully, and the musical undercurrents enhance the emotional landscape without overwhelming it. Reviewers praised moments where atmosphere carries more weight than dialogue. Despite a few instances of disjointed tone, the overall sensory presentation is polished and resonant, contributing effectively to the film’s immersive quality.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of Rewatch Factor, the film’s complexity and layered thematic content encourage multiple viewings. Observers noted that its personal, reflective nature and hidden resonances can yield fresh insights on subsequent watches. Conversely, the scattered narrative and dense structure may deter broader repeat engagement. Ultimately, Ismael’s Ghosts rewards dedicated viewers willing to navigate its intricacies but may feel daunting for casual rewatching.

Box office

Ismael's Ghosts Box Office

Ismael's Ghosts grossed $3.1 million worldwide. $102,510 came from the US and Canada and $3 million (97%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.1M

US & Canada
$102.5K
International
$3M
US & Canada 3% Rest of the world 97%
Videos

Ismael's Ghosts Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Ismael's Ghosts.

Ismael's Ghosts - Official Trailer
Details

Ismael's Ghosts Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “Призраки Измаила” and “Les Fantômes d’Ismaël”.

Also known as
  • Призраки Измаила
  • Les Fantômes d’Ismaël
  • 이스마엘의 유령
  • Ismaels Geister
  • Привиди Ісмаеля
  • I fantasmi d'Ismael
  • Os Fantasmas de Ismael
  • Призраки Исмаэля
  • Призраците на Исмаел
  • Kobiety mojego życia
  • 伊斯梅尔的幽魂
  • Los fantasmas de Ismaël
+6 more
  • רוחות של איסמעאל
  • İsmail'in Hayaletleri
  • Ismaēla rēgi
  • Τα Φαντάσματα του Ισμαήλ
  • Fantomele lui Ismael
  • O Fantasma de Ismael

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FAQ

Ismael's Ghosts FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Ismael's Ghosts, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Ismael's Ghosts?

Ismael's Ghosts runs 1 hour 54 minutes (114 minutes).

When was Ismael's Ghosts released?

Ismael's Ghosts was released on March 23, 2018.

Who directed Ismael's Ghosts?

Ismael's Ghosts was directed by Arnaud Desplechin.

More films by Arnaud Desplechin

Who is in the cast of Ismael's Ghosts?

Ismael's Ghosts stars Marion Cotillard as Carlotta Bloom, Charlotte Gainsbourg as Sylvia and Louis Garrel as Ivan Dedalus, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Ismael's Ghosts make at the box office?

Ismael's Ghosts grossed $3.1 million worldwide ($102,510 domestic, $3 million international).

How is Ismael's Ghosts rated?

Ismael's Ghosts has 51% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic, 56% on TMDB and 3.0/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Ismael's Ghosts have a post-credit scene?

No. Ismael's Ghosts has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Ismael's Ghosts in?

The original language of Ismael's Ghosts is French.

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