Review: ‘Extra Ordinary’ Is a Zany Horror-Comedy
Ghosts are around us but it takes a special talent to see them in Extra Ordinary. From Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman, this zany horror-comedy was originally released in 2019. However, in 2020, Drafthouse Film decided to pick it up.
When the daughter of a widow becomes possessed, it’s up to driving instructor Rose Dooley to help out. Little does she realize, the possession is part of a nefarious plot by a washed-up rock star.
From an early age, Rose Dooley (Maeve Higgins) could cast spells and communicate with otherworldly beings. She picks up these talents from her father, Vincent Dooley (Risteard Cooper), a renowned TV paranormal investigator.
After his passing, Rose decides to succumb to the mundane life of a self-employed driving instructor.
She now lives a lonely existence while yearning for some romantic magic. But despite trying to forget her past, people keep reaching out for her help in their otherworldly matters.
This is where she comes into contact with Martin Martin.
Wading through the motions, Martin Martin (Barry Ward) raises his daughter in his quiet flat with the overbearing ghostly presence of his deceased wife, Bonnie.
Bonnie, like Martin, can’t let go and remains a staple around the household. Unable to go another day like this, Martin finally decides to get help by contacting Rose for help.
Rose grudgingly accepts when Martin’s daughter is possessed. Rose figures out this isn’t a normal possession but an orchestrated plot by a local celebrity.
In comes one hit ‘winter’, Christian Winter played by the charismatic Will Forte. Once a major talent, Christian hasn’t been able to write a memorable tune for years. Planning a comeback, he enlists the dark arts to bring him back to prominence.
However, the only way for Christian to achieve his former stardom is through a virgin sacrifice. This brings both worlds to collide in hilarious fashion.
Extra Ordinary charm is in its simplicity. It’s a concept that doesn’t take much foresight to follow. The paranormal exists in this world and everyone just begrudgingly accepts it.
When Maeve and Martin start offering their services to the public, you can tell how annoying and inconvenient the ghosts are.
The cute banter between Rose and Martin keeps one believing in this ghost world. Maeve Higgins does a lovely job depicting the mild-mannered romantic and Barry Ward easily adapts to the awkward attitude of Martin Martin.
Meanwhile, Will Forte plays especially well off his bitter girlfriend Claudia Winter who only cares about any future earnings.
Besides the climax, the film does a wonderful job keeping the scares practical. There’s no need for outrageous CGI when you can just stomp some pots and barf out ectoplasm.
It’s said that showing little is more and this movie is a perfect example of that. The film keeps itself from going overtly outrageous by using those moments in small doses while letting the characters breathe.
Ghostly comedies are sparse these days. Sinister and demonic ghost stories rule the box office. With films like Beetlejuice and The Frighteners a distant memory, it’s refreshing to see a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
If you’re in the mood for a witty ghost story with heart, let Extra Ordinary haunt your TV.
Extra Ordinary is available on VOD everywhere.
