The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine (CFF) is a Messy Look of a Man at the End of the World

Title: The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine

First Non-Festival Release: TBD

Director: Graham Skipper

Writer: Graham Skipper

Runtime: 90 Minutes

Starring: Paul Guyet, Christina Bennett Lind, Graham Skipper

Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here

This film’s review was written after its screening at the Chattanooga Film Festival in 2024.

Most people have given thought to the end of the world. Do they go down fighting? Are they planning to scavenge and scrape by through wit? Have they accepted that life would be too hard and let whatever come with open arms?

It’s not quite so simple for Wozzek (Graham Skipper). After the world is wiped clean of humanity from an unknown force, Wozzek spends his days surviving and working on his ghost machine in a desperate attempt to bring back his late wife, Nellie (Christina Bennett Lind). Years later, Wozzek is visited in the night by someone known as the Deleterian (Paul Guyet) who seeks something more than camaraderie.

The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine is a quirky yet dull character study of the last man on earth.

Wozzek’s journey as a tortured protagonist trying to keep his sanity in the chaos of post-apocalyptic mundanity makes for an interesting concept even if doesn’t fully pan out. The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine strings along information about the events leading to the end of the world for audiences to decipher the tragedy behind Wozzek’s tale. The interspersed information leads to some obvious reveals in the film’s climax but sufficiently adds an element of mystery to Wozzek’s situation. In the end, Wozzek’s turmoil elicits mixed feelings. His guilt eating him alive in the twilight days of human civilization is as equally bleak as it is familiar. Wozzek’s sins of paralysis work well within the context of the time The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine was made, but falls victim to its own cynicism as he can never truly make up for his mistakes.

It’s hard to separate The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine from the COVID-19 influenced cinema landscape, but the indie film parallels the isolation many experienced during the heights of the pandemic. Between the dizzying amount of emotions he must contend with from watching his life change into something unrecognizable and the grief of losing his beloved wife, Wozzek must go into isolation alone.  Wozzek serves as a stand in for every person that had to brave through the worst of the pandemic by themselves. Filling the time with feeding himself, working on a pet project with varying results, and engaging in solo sex play, Wozzek explores the mundanity of the end. Even when he finally encounters a voice in the night, his hesitation gives way to curiosity and the deep need for connection, even if it hurts. When these moments lead to danger, Wozzek can only blame himself for engaging, much like those who found fear in simple plans with friends. It’s cynical but also human at the same time.

Graham Skipper is a capable lead who does great work bringing the quirks of Wozzek to life. Skipper’s take is measured yet empathetic. Unafraid to get dirty with the role, he commits to showing the full picture of what years of isolation bring: shamelessness. Struggling with a wheelbarrow, defecating in a bucket, and masturbating to the one picture left of his wife, Skipper truly does whatever is needed of him to make the full spectrum of Wozzek’s plight shine through brightly. When confronted with the consequences of his actions, both in the past and present, Skipper’s wide-eyed realization feels both heart-breaking and a long time coming thanks to his commitment. Skipper showcases a vulnerability to Wozzek that highlights his humanity without shying away from his faults.

The realities of low budget filmmaking really take viewers out of the experience as otherwise serious moments feel comical. The first half of the film relies on the mystery behind the Deleterian, as much of his figure is obscured by shadows. Once shown, whatever tension generated turns to dust as the Deleterian is a simple, goofy puppet. Now, suspension of disbelief is necessary in any film, but the otherwise serious approach and subject matter makes it hard to contend with the corporeal form of the Deleterian. Admittedly, it is a wide swing, which is commendable, but for this reviewer it is ultimately a miss.

The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine is a fine indie effort that fails to rise above its restraints. Skipper gives a commendable performance of a condemnable man wrecked by grief, fear, and loneliness, and the film does a great job of highlighting his isolation. Unfortunately, it’s so-so reveals and lack of tension makes The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine an ultimately average end-of-the-world experience. Fans of plucky indie horror and those looking to re-experience the worst of the pandemic will find plenty to enjoy with this film.  

Overall Score? 5/10