Ghost World (2001)

dir Terry Zwigoff

Ghost World is one of my all time favorite movies. The first time I watched it, I watched it again just a few days later. It quickly became a comfort. Part of it is nostalgia. My memory is full of time spent complaining with my best friend in a diner booth, spying on strangers, buying old records, and mildly harassing old dudes. The other part is relatability. Even at my current age of nearly-28 (2 more weeks!), I can relate to the empty and uncomfortable feeling of facing change. It’s rough realizing in real time that nothing will ever be the same again. We are always growing, aging, and (hopefully) moving on. There is beauty and sadness in that.

This is a film about letting go and sometimes giving up. Giving something your best shot and still falling short of your own expectations. Making friends and losing friends. Dyeing your hair and then dyeing it right back.

It’s a shame Enid kills herself at the end. Great music, though.