Ghosted looks like the funny Apple TV Plus movie that will finally make you sign up
Knives Out? More like Guns Out
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AppleTV Plus has had a lot of good things going for it over the past year.
In March 2022, it beat Netflix to become the first streamer to pick up an Oscar Best Picture. Meanwhile, critically acclaimed shows includingThe Afterparty,Black Bird,Pachinko,Slow Horses, andSeverancehave helpedApple TV Plusgain a sizable foothold on the streaming landscape.
Even with these successes, though, Apple’s streaming service still lags behind the likes of Netflix,Disney Plus, andHBO Max– especially in the movie department. Sure, Apple’s first-party films, such asCausewayandEmancipation, have been fairly well received. However, aside fromCODA’s shock triumph with that aforementioned Academy Award for Best Pictureone year ago, Apple doesn’t have a blockbuster movie that’s made audiences sit up and take notice.
That, though, could be about to change withGhosted. Billed as a rom-com spy thriller,Ghostedmight be the film that finally turns Apple’s fortunes around in the movie department.
Before we explain why, check out the first trailer forGhostedbelow:
Okay, as far as Apple TV Plus film offerings go, it looks as generic as similarly placed genre movies, such asKnight & DayandMr and Mrs Smith. Its plot synopsis, too, doesn’t make it Ghosted sound like a wholly innovative venture. “Salt-of-the-earth Cole falls head over heels for enigmatic Sadie, but then makes the shocking discovery that she’s a secret agent,” the synopsis reads. “Before they can decide on a second date, Cole and Sadie are swept away on an international adventure to save the world.”
However, considering the amount of by-the-numbers films that Netflix pumps out –You PeopleandWe Have a Ghostamong many others – maybe this is the kind of easy-to-watch movie that Apple has been missing from its catalog. Apple TV Plus is often viewed as the high-brow, prestige cousin to Netflix and company, soGhostedmight be the film that entices more casual viewers to try out the service.
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Then there’s the obligatory star power inGhosted’s ranks, with formerMarvelsuperstar Chris Evans reuniting with fellowKnives OutandThe Gray Manalumni Ana de Armas. Based on the natural chemistry and charisma they exuded in Knives Out and their other projects –Lightyear,No Time to Die, andBlondeto name just three – the duo seem like a perfect fit for a movie like this.
The Multiverse Of Chris Evans & Ana de Armas pic.twitter.com/hsdrZyzmKCMarch 7, 2023
Given the amount of money it’s thrown at its streaming service, Apple hasn’t struggled to land the world’s biggest and most popular actors. Few are more in-demand than Evans and de Armas right now, though. If Apple really wants to grab viewers' attentions, they’ve certainly done so by hiring the pair forGhosted, whose trailer has (at the time of writing) racked up over one million views in less than 15 hours. OnlyTetrisandSharper– two of Apple TV Plus' other 2023 movies – have amassed more views this calendar year.
Ghosted is also stacked behind the camera, too, with the acclaimed Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman,Bohemian Rhapsody) on directorial duties.DeadpoolandSpiderheadwriting duo Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese have co-penned the script alongside Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers (Spider-Man: No Way Home,The Lego Batman Movie), so you knowGhostedwill be full of heart, humor, and plenty of high-stakes action.
As competition between the world’sbest streaming serviceshots up, Apple TV Plus needs something more conventional to appeal to the masses. It can continue to make big-budget, reputable TV shows and films that stand out from the rest. But, if Apple really wants to make up ground on Netflix,Prime Video, and its other rivals, it needs to spread its wings, and deliver content that more easy going audience members won’t want to miss.
Ghostedlooks like it could be the in-house project that helps Apple revolutionize what it offers to consumers; and if it’s as successful as we think it’ll be,Ghostedmight be the unexpectedly great Apple TV Plus movie that truly spooks the competition.
For more Apple TV Plus coverage, read up on thebest Apple TV Plus showsand bestApple TV Plus moviesaround right now.
As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.
Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.
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