Rite Here Rite Now: A Cinematic Ode to Ghost’s Unholy Ritual
Ghost’s latest concert film, Rite Here Rite Now, is an immersive experience that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. The film, directed by the enigmatic Tobias Forge, is a masterclass in production quality, capturing the essence of a live Ghost performance with stunning visuals and crystal-clear sound.
“The viewer feels fully immersed in the experience, with an impressive production quality in terms of both sight and sound.” - A testament to the film’s ability to transport you to the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where the magic unfolded.
The film’s narrative is cleverly woven around the concert footage, telling the story of Cardinal Copia’s (Papa Emeritus IV) final performances before his inevitable demise. Guided by Papa Nihil, the original Papa, and his mother, Cardi navigates the challenges of his own mortality, all while maintaining the high-energy performance that Ghost fans have come to expect.
The ritual begins
The setlist is a carefully curated selection of songs from across Ghost’s discography, including the explosive opener “Kaisarion” and the hauntingly beautiful “If You Have Ghost”. The latter, performed acoustically with two cellos and piano accompaniment, showcases Tobias Forge’s emotional depth and the band’s ability to create a sense of intimacy in a large venue.
“Twenties” gets the skeleton treatment
The film’s attention to detail is impressive, with carefully curated crowd shots that capture the joy and devotion of the fans. The up-close shots of the band members add to the sense of immersion, making you feel like you’re part of the ritual.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say that the incomplete performance of “Miasma” is a slight disappointment, but the film’s tongue-in-cheek humor and clever storytelling make up for it. The new song, “The Future is a Foreign Land”, played during the credits, is a welcome addition to the Ghost discography.
In conclusion, Rite Here Rite Now is a must-see for any Ghost fan or concert film enthusiast. Tobias Forge continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a live performance, and this film is a testament to his innovative spirit.
The final curtain call