Saturday, April 8, 7:15 p.m

“Chasing the Ghost”

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“Chasing the Ghost” centers on drug-addicted anesthesiologist Clay Huxley, who must battle demons, both real and figurative, in order to save those closest to him. Huxley’s demanding job, personal losses and family history of addiction all make it seem nearly impossible for him to kick his habit despite its continued and ravaging effects. 

When Dion, a mystical top-hatted figure, offers him an addict’s dream proposition — remaining constantly high until death — he’s naturally intrigued. There is, of course, a catch, which hints at the all-or-nothing nature of addiction while turning the usual narrative on its head: If he doesn’t manage to stay high, he’ll lose those he loves one by one. Dion’s proposition is a curse disguised as a blessing (a suitcase of drugs). 

As Huxley navigates the absolute head job of betraying his family and friends by using — and by doing so, saving their lives — the audience meets a delightful and diverse collection of supporting characters. My favorite is the quirky, cartoonish rehab director, Angel, who proves integral to the inevitable end-of-thriller twist. The viewer is taken all over Detroit, where the movie is clearly proud to be set, with many notable landmarks and a main character whose entire off-duty wardrobe consists of Motor City-themed T-shirts.

Positively littered with symbolism and metaphors, some transparent and many more opaque (to me, anyway), “Chasing the Ghost” is an addiction story that attempts to be funny, dark and morally instructive — a difficult web of themes to weave, but it pulls it off adequately enough to keep the viewer interested and entertained. I deducted points for a completely unnecessary sex scene, but I have to give this movie credit for putting a new spin on the tried-and-true drug abuse narrative as well as its excellent use of full-body Lycra suits. 

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