Ghost Boy

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Ghost Boy

2025

1h 31m

Documentary

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11 Reviews

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A South African boy emerges from a vegetative state with no memories, silently observing the world around him while trapped in his own body. As his consciousness returns, he fights to reconnect with life and discover who he truly is.

Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

Pistorius is a forthcoming interview subject, telling his life story as Ascher cuts to fascinatingly staged recreations.

Mar 14, 2025

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Harrison Richlin

IndieWire

It’s not always an easy watch, but one that constantly intrigues and is invested in accounting for all we may not fully understand about those who are unable to communicate by traditional means.

Rated: B+

Mar 8, 2025

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Jordan Mintzer

The Hollywood Reporter

Compared to Ascher’s other films, which blend documentary, movie-like recreations and a certain form of cinematic speculation, what makes Ghost Boy stand apart is that everything in it really happened, even if it appears completely unreal at times.

Mar 8, 2025

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

It’s a fantastic story, and Ascher tells it very well.

Oct 31, 2025

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Gary M. Kramer

MovieJawn

Ghost Boy provides uplift as Martin’s condition improves and he finds love. But it is the messages about how the sick and disabled are treated that make his story valuable.

Oct 23, 2025

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

A fascinating documentary, one produced with intelligence and a deep humanity.

Rated: 8/10

Aug 15, 2025

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Rodney Ascher

Director

Anna Greene

Self

Elika Portnoy

Producer

Ryan Bartecki

Producer

Gary Levinsohn

Producer

Billy Hines

Producer

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Marx Can Wait

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I Didn't See You There

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I Didn't See You There

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Synopsis

A South African boy emerges from a vegetative state with no memories, silently observing the world around him while trapped in his own body. As his consciousness returns, he fights to reconnect with life and discover who he truly is.

Director: Rodney Ascher
Producer: Elika Portnoy, Ryan Bartecki, Gary Levinsohn, Billy Hines
Production Co: Co Created Media
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 31m