What Is We Have a Ghost About?
The premise of We Have a Ghost in 300 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In a quiet suburb, the Presley family trades their cramped city apartment for a seemingly ordinary house that comes with creaking floors, attic whispers, and a price tag that feels too good to be true. Frank Presley arrives eager to rebuild his relationship with his youngest son while Kevin—a shy, guitar‑loving teen—searches for a place where he can finally belong. The house already houses a secret, though no one expects it: a playful spirit named Ernest that makes its presence known on the very first night. Their first encounter is more mischievous than terrifying, setting a tone that blends gentle humor with an undercurrent of otherworldly curiosity.
The unlikely friendship between Kevin and Ernest quickly becomes the family’s most surprising—and most public—venture. When an accidental video captures their spectral guest, the Presleys find themselves thrust into a whirlwind of viral memes, quirky interviews, and a sudden surge of social‑media attention. Frank, ever the entrepreneurial father, sees the phenomenon as a chance to turn the haunting into a brand, while Kevin is more interested in helping his new friend piece together lost memories. The house, once a blank canvas, now hums with the clatter of comment sections, livestreams, and the uneasy balance between genuine connection and the lure of online fame.
Yet beneath the light‑hearted antics lies an enigmatic mystery that hints at far‑reaching forces. Whispers about Ernest’s past suggest a tangled web that might involve shadowy government projects and secrets buried decades ago. As the Presleys navigate the excitement of their newfound notoriety, they also feel the subtle pressure of something larger watching from the sidelines. The film balances warm family moments with a mischievous, slightly eerie atmosphere, inviting the audience to wonder what stories linger in the attic and whether some hauntings are more complex than they first appear.
What Happens in We Have a Ghost?
The complete story of We Have a Ghost, from the first scene to the last, in 629 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
One year after the previous owners abandoned the house in fear, the Presleys are led to view the property. The estate agent, Barbara Mangold, is keen to highlight that prices have recently plummeted, raising suspicions among the family. At the center of the family dynamics is Frank Presley (Anthony Mackie), who struggles with his relationship with his youngest son Kevin (played by Jahi Winston), an aspiring guitarist.
On the very first night in their new home, Kevin hears strange noises emanating from the attic. Armed only with his mobile phone light, he stumbles upon a ghostly figure. Instead of scaring him, the ghost chuckles, vanishing moments later. Intrigued, Kevin returns to speak with the apparition, whom he names Ernest (David Harbour) after finding his name on an old bowling shirt. Chaos ensues when Kevin’s older brother Fulton (Niles Fitch) barges in, bullying Kevin, but Ernest surprisingly intervenes to help. Fulton, eager to show their father, uncovers a video that captures Kevin’s initial encounter with Ernest, leading Frank to create a YouTube channel. The footage eventually makes the family internet sensations as they unveil their haunted house to the public.
Eager to assist Ernest in reclaiming his lost memories, Kevin believes the amnesia is linked to past trauma, so he employs various visual stimuli. In school, he meets Joy (Isabella Russo), the neighbor who refers to their house as the “House of Death” due to its forsaken look. As the ghost’s presence goes viral, Joy learns that the previous owner, Ernest S. resided there from ‘65 to ‘71 but believes there’s an unknown story behind the haunting. When the local cable TV medium, Judy Romano, visits to capture evidence of Ernest, things take a turn for the worse. The crew’s startled reactions provoke comedic chaos, leading to Judy’s dramatic exit through a window.
Frustrated by Frank’s relentless attempts to monetize the haunting through merchandise and media deals, Kevin decides to take Ernest out with Joy to a bar linked to the ghost’s past history. Together, they uncover revealing photographs connecting Ernest to the former owner, leading to increasingly complex revelations about Ernest’s tragic life. Unfortunately, one encounter frightens a local child, painting Ernest in a nefarious light, a misconception Frank exploits for profit. Meanwhile, Dr. Leslie Monroe (Tig Notaro), a horror writer with a controversial past involving the CIA’s ghost-capturing project, reaches out to Frank and Melanie, warning them of the potential dangers surrounding Ernest. Ignoring her advice leads to dire consequences as the presence of Ernest on social media escalates.
A twist of fate sends the family on a desperate chase to Oklahoma, where the past unfolds as they seek the truth behind Ernest. Here, a man named Ernest S. (Tom Bower) sheds light on the troubled past of a man named Randy, connected to the very ghost they’ve befriended. As Kevin, Joy, and Ernest delve deeper into the haunting’s origins, they uncover dark secrets that draw the attention of authorities and the CIA, culminating in a frantic race across town to evade capture.
As their journey progresses, Kevin grapples with the implications for both him and Ernest. At the climax, poignant flashbacks reveal uncomfortable truths about Ernest’s past. With emotions running high, a confrontation arises, leading to chaos as Frank must confront his role in the spectral unraveling. Just as they think they’ve closed the chapter on Ernest’s torment, the future seems uncertain, yet pertinent questions remain about redemption and understanding.
In the aftermath, the Presleys, now wiser, prepare for a new beginning that takes them only a few miles away from their haunted adventures. As Kevin and Joy solidify their bond and prepare for a fresh start, the winding path of memories flickers one last time in the attic, hinting that some stories might never truly end.
We Have a Ghost Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Presley Family Moves In” to “Lingering Memories”. 6 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
The Presley Family Moves In
The Presleys arrive at their new home, eager to create new memories. However, the previous owners abandoned the property due to unexplained fears, raising the family's suspicions about the house's history.
- 2
Kevin's First Encounter
On their first night, Kevin hears strange noises coming from the attic. Curious and armed only with his mobile phone, he discovers a ghostly figure who introduces himself with a chuckle and vanishes shortly afterward.
When:First Night Where:The Attic
- 3
Meeting Ernest
Kevin decides to return to the attic and engages with the ghost, whom he names Ernest after discovering his name on an old bowling shirt. Their conversations lead to an unexpected friendship, revealing layers of Ernest's mysterious past.
Where:The Attic
- 4
Sibling Conflict
Chaos erupts when Kevin’s older brother Fulton bullies him but unexpectedly gets interrupted by Ernest. This moment establishes a unique dynamic as Ernest becomes an ally for Kevin against his brother's intimidation.
- 5
Going Viral
After discovering Kevin's initial encounter with Ernest on video, Frank decides to create a YouTube channel to share their haunting experiences. The family's exploits quickly gain attention, turning them into internet sensations.
- 6
School and New Friends
At school, Kevin meets Joy, who recognizes their house as the 'House of Death' due to its eerie reputation. Together, they seek to uncover the mystery surrounding Ernest's haunted past.
Where:School
- 7
Judy Romano's Visit
The family invites local medium Judy Romano to capture evidence of Ernest. However, her dramatic exit after a chaotic encounter leaves the family questioning their decision to seek outside help.
- 8
Investigation at the Bar
Kevin and Joy take Ernest out to a bar that’s connected to his past. During their visit, they uncover photographs that provide crucial insights into Ernest's tragic life story and the events that led to his haunting.
Where:Local Bar
- 9
Misunderstandings and Consequences
An encounter with a local child leads to misconceptions about Ernest being a malevolent spirit, and Frank seizes this opportunity to profit from the fear surrounding the ghost. Tensions rise as Kevin feels the emotional weight of these events.
- 10
A Warning Ignored
Dr. Leslie Monroe, a horror writer with a creepy history, warns the Presleys about the dangers of Ernest's growing presence in the media. Despite her concerns, Frank continues to exploit their ghostly situation for financial gain.
Show the other 5 events of We Have a Ghost Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Chasing the Truth
The pursuit of Ernest's past leads the family to Oklahoma, where they seek answers about a man named Randy linked to the ghost. This trip opens up dark secrets that challenge the family's understanding of their friend.
Where:Oklahoma
- 12
Revelations and Flashbacks
As events unfold, Kevin experiences unsettling flashbacks that reveal uncomfortable truths about Ernest's life. The emotional atmosphere peaks during a confrontation, forcing Frank to reassess his priorities.
- 13
Race Against Time
The family's journey culminates in a frantic search throughout town as they try to evade capture by authorities. The stakes escalate as they uncover the intricacies of Ernest's haunting and its implications for all involved.
- 14
New Beginnings
Having learned painful lessons, the Presleys prepare to move just a few miles away from their haunted house. Kevin and Joy's bond strengthens as they embrace the next chapter of their lives, filled with hope and uncertainty.
- 15
Lingering Memories
In the aftermath of their adventures, the attic flickers with memories of their journey. This haunting reminder suggests that while they may have moved on, Ernest's story will always be a part of them.
Where:The Attic
Who Are the Main Characters in We Have a Ghost?
5 characters, among them Frank Presley, Ernest and Kevin: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Frank Presley
Played by Anthony Mackie
Frank is a father trying to keep his family together amid the chaos of moving into a haunted house. His decisions are often influenced by a desire for recognition and profit, sometimes to the detriment of his relationships with his sons. As the story unfolds, he is forced to confront the realities of his choices and their impacts on his family.
- 👨👦👦 Family
- 💰 Profit
-
Ernest
Played by David Harbour
Ernest is a ghost with a tragic past, whose presence brings both humor and emotional depth to the story. Struggling with amnesia, he becomes a friend to Kevin, leading to heartfelt moments that reveal his misunderstood nature. His character serves as a bridge between the living and the dead, exploring themes of redemption and memory.
- 👻 Ghost
- 💔 Tragic
- K
Kevin
Played by Taylor Shurte
Kevin is a curious and aspiring guitarist who forms a unique bond with the ghost, Ernest. His journey of discovery drives much of the film's narrative, showcasing his growth as he learns about friendship, understanding, and the importance of confronting the past. He also serves as the emotional core of the story, embodying the search for connection.
- 🎸 Music
- 🌟 Discovery
-
Judy Romano
Played by Jennifer Coolidge
Judy is a local medium who adds a comedic yet chaotic layer to the story. Her attempt to capture evidence of Ernest's existence creates humorous situations, ultimately showcasing the absurdity of the ghost-hunting culture. Despite her controversial past, her character represents the intersection of belief and skepticism.
- 🔮 Medium
- 😂 Comedy
-
Dr. Leslie Monroe
Played by Tig Notaro
Dr. Leslie Monroe is a horror writer with a complex history tied to CIA projects, warning the family about the potential dangers of their actions regarding Ernest. Her character brings a serious tone to the supernatural events, blending academia with the paranormal, and represents an insightful perspective on the ghostly occurrences.
- 📚 Horror
- ⚠️ Warning
Where and When Is We Have a Ghost Set?
We Have a Ghost is set in Haunted House and Oklahoma (1965-1971). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1965-1971
The film subtly navigates through different time references, particularly highlighting the years Ernest lived in the house. It reveals that Ernest resided there from 1965 to 1971, a period that holds the key to understanding his tragic backstory and the haunting that has persisted through the decades.
Where
Haunted House, Oklahoma
The story begins in a haunted house that the Presleys move into, a property shrouded in mystery and fear due to its past. Located in Oklahoma, the house has a dark history, linked to the ghost named Ernest. As the family explores the house and its surroundings, they uncover secrets that connect them to various locations and events tied to Ernest's tragic life.
- 🏡 House
- 🌆 Oklahoma
What Are the Themes of We Have a Ghost?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Ghostly Encounter, Family Dynamics and Social Media.
-
01
Ghostly Encounter
The film revolves around the theme of a ghostly encounter, as young Kevin befriends Ernest, leading to unexpected chaos and misinterpretations. This relationship evolves through comedic and poignant moments, emphasizing the complexities of life after death. The narrative explores themes of memory and understanding as the characters seek to uncover Ernest's past.
-
02
Family Dynamics
Family relationships take center stage as Frank struggles to connect with his son Kevin, which is further complicated by the revelation of the supernatural. The film explores the challenges of understanding and communication within the family, particularly as they navigate the chaos surrounding the haunting. Ultimately, the story reflects on how shared experiences, both eerie and endearing, can bring a family closer.
-
03
Social Media
The impact of social media plays a crucial role in the narrative, as the family's YouTube channel transforms them into internet sensations. This theme critiques society's fascination with the macabre while highlighting the dangers of exploiting personal tragedies for public gain. It becomes a double-edged sword for the Presleys, leading to both fame and unforeseen consequences.
How Does We Have a Ghost End?
The last act of We Have a Ghost and what it means, in 303 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
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.
What Kind of Film Is We Have a Ghost?
Hopeful in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A fast-paced, hopeful adventure blending supernatural friendship with a tense conspiracy thriller, marked by playful humor, moments of peril, and a bittersweet emotional core.
- playful
- investigative
- tense
- hopeful
- lighthearted
- adventurous
- found family
- ghost story
- conspiracy thriller
- coming of age
Content notes: child endangerment, government conspiracy.
Quiz
How well do you remember We Have a Ghost? Test yourself on the story.
