‘My Boo’ (2024) Netflix Movie Review - Familiar Plot but a Good Execution

So there are high chance that this story is something that you have seen before either in other movies or in Instagram reels. My Boo presents a unique blend of supernatural comedy and drama, following the misadventures of Joe, a young, charismatic video game streamer, who finds himself caught between financial ruin and the eerie mystery of a haunted house. At first glance, Joe seems to have it all—a laid-back life revolving around his streaming career, a passion that has become the "it" job in Thailand. However, his dreams of living off his grandfather's inheritance crumble when his granddad passes away just before naming him in the will. Now left with no financial cushion, Joe must scramble to make ends meet.

But not everything is gone. Joe’s well-meaning cousin offers him an old, dilapidated house—one that could solve his money problems if sold quickly. However, things don’t go as planned when the real estate broker flees in terror after stepping foot inside. It’s revealed that the house is haunted, adding a spooky layer to Joe's already complicated life. With local loan sharks breathing down his neck, Joe’s dilemma deepens, and the film sets up a classic haunted-house scenario with a comedic twist. Joe decides to sell the house but when the potential buyer comes, he runs away claiming that the house is haunted.

Now you might wonder if this is the Conjuring-type ghost but that’s where the makers prove us wrong. The ghost is a sweet-looking girl named Anong who forms a bond with Joe. Now you might wonder what happened to Anong that turned her into a ghost. So I won't give any spoilers. That’s for you to watch and find out.

The film’s pacing is mostly light and energetic, driven by Joe’s journey to resolve his financial woes, but there are moments where the plot feels disjointed. For instance, while the movie sets up a charming narrative about Joe's growth and his interactions with the ghosts, some scenes feel overly stretched or underdeveloped, causing the humor to fall flat at times. Certain characters, particularly the loan sharks, come off as stereotypical, and lacking depth, which detracts from the more heartwarming elements of the story.

Performance-wise, the cast does a commendable job of bringing the quirky characters to life. The lead actor portraying Joe captures the essence of a carefree, somewhat irresponsible young man who slowly matures throughout the film. His chemistry with the ghostly ensemble, though amusing, occasionally feels forced, especially in moments where the comedic timing doesn’t land as well as intended.

Visually, the haunted house itself becomes a character in its own right. The production design, while simple, adds a nice eerie charm to the setting, blending well with the supernatural theme without relying heavily on typical horror elements. The film keeps jump scares to a minimum, opting instead for subtle humor and emotional resonance.

However, the film's major flaw lies in its predictable storyline. While the premise is engaging, the plot unfolds in a relatively formulaic manner, leaving little room for surprises. Viewers seeking an unpredictable or intense ghost story might feel let down, as the film leans more toward light-hearted entertainment than true horror or mystery.

In conclusion, My Boo offers an enjoyable, if somewhat uneven, experience. It shines when exploring the heartfelt connections between Joe and the house's resident ghosts but falters with its overused tropes and uneven comedic beats.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times