Ghost World (2001) [Comic Book Month 2025]

Two young girls play a prank on a lonely man, only for one of them to inadvertently find herself falling for him, as the cracks in the relationship between the two begin to widen.

Did you know that Ghost World is based on a comic book? Or, perhaps a better question is, did you know that Ghost World existed at all before clicking on this review? It’s possible you didn’t, as the film has unfortunately become rather overlooked in the years since its release. While it has a cult following, received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, and it was considered a critical success, Ghost World is one of those movies that you might miss if you’re not looking for it, and given the subject matter that hasn’t exactly aged the greatest, it’s understandable why it has seemingly wallowed in almost anonymity for over 20 years. Still, those who love it do so dearly, myself included, and it’s a testament to how many genres can exist in comic books beyond those who wear capes and spandex.

Working with Daniel Clowes, the original creator of the comic book series, to craft the story for the film that is slightly different from the source material, Terry Zwigoff does a phenomenal job of finding a way to make it work for the screen, even if some of the viewpoints are now considered to be pretty dated. While most of the subject matter can be viewed as satirical commentary on these things, like racial, sexism, ageism, and bullying, watching it now can feel more like it’s indulging these points instead of pointing them out. With a much older man forming a bond with a much younger, and borderline illegal, teen girl over their shared love for music and art, it’s an interesting “love” story in a way, but it’s also a little troubling now. Especially considering the fact that Zwigoff went on to direct another film that might be even more problematic now than Ghost World; Bad Santa.

But the saving grace here, and the real reason I adore this film still to this day, is thanks to the cast. Thora Birch is always fantastic, a criminally underrated actress who deserved much more praise and glory than she received during the height of her career, and that’s no different here. She plays the role of Enid with such depth and heart that you can’t help but care about her, even as she continues to make bad decisions and teenage mistakes. Bookended by the big future star Scarlett Johansen, these two play off their relationship realistically and financially. We can feel years of friendship crumbling away through the discomfort of growing apart at the end of high school as their lives take different paths, and neither one seems hard pressed to hold onto one another. A pain many of us know all too well. Lastly, there’s Steve Buscemi as the lonely older man named Seymour, who proves to be the dividing point between the two lead girls as he inadvertently separates them on an emotional level. He’s wonderful in his role, and even though most would consider his character to be rather creepy, he truly does an amazing job of playing Seymour sympathetically and endearingly, despite also being a bit of a loser. Joined in a smaller role by the late Brad Renfro, who was taken from us far too soon, the cast, and the characters they play, are the best part of this film, if you can overlook some of the decrepit views and underlying creep factor.

The music here is also fabulous, with a focus on old blues and unique indie tracks that play as much a role in the film as one of the characters. That, plus the cinematography and editing, create a really unique “comic book” movie that’s only hero is the main character as she learns to save herself from herself, and the relationships that drag her down and stagnate her.

While some of the subject matter hasn’t aged all that well, specifically the age gap of the primary romantic relationship and the racist artwork depicted in an attempt to make a commentary against it, Ghost World is still a wonderful film that manages to capture what it’s like to be a young girl making decisions about her life, her future, and her relationships.