Diane (2017), directed by Michael Mongillo, is one of those films that creeps up on you. Much like a ghostly apparition, it lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned off the TV. It’s a supernatural thriller drenched in slow-burn atmosphere, trauma, and regret—and if you’re the type who enjoys those things with a side of dark humor, you’re in for an unexpected treat. This is not your typical slasher or jump-scare-laden film. In fact, it’s more of a psychological slow-cooker where the tension boils and simmers until the final, satisfying release. Just don’t expect to walk away with a grin on your face—this one’s more of a grim smirk kind of movie.
Plot: Steve, the PTSD-Laden Detective of His Own Mind
Steve (played by Jason Alan Smith), a war veteran who’s seen enough horrors to start his own PTSD support group, finds a dead body in his backyard. Diane, a local singer with a tragic end, has been murdered with a screwdriver. The catch? Steve, already dealing with the mental ghosts of his own past, becomes obsessed with Diane’s image. Imagine being haunted by your own traumas and then getting a bonus haunting in the form of a mysterious woman’s spirit—talk about bad luck, right?
Steve does what any reasonable person would do—he takes a picture of the corpse. Because if you’re going to be accused of murder, might as well document the crime scene for future reference, right? The authorities are, of course, suspicious of him (because what’s a good psychological thriller without a few red herrings?), and the townspeople are all too eager to make him their prime suspect.
But here’s where things get really interesting. Steve starts seeing visions of Diane. And no, it’s not the typical “I’m seeing things” trope. It’s a supernatural, “I’m gonna haunt you until you understand the tragic mess I’ve left behind” kind of haunting. As the film progresses, Steve’s physical and emotional states deteriorate and improve in equal measure. He goes from dragging himself around with a limp to walking without a cane, and (wait for it) even gets the strength to fight off his harassers. It’s like the spirit of Diane is giving him a makeover, but it’s not one of those pleasant “feel-good ghost” stories where the spirit helps you through a breakup. Nope, this is more like a ghostly boot camp.
Steve’s Transformation: PTSD or Just Haunted?
Steve’s growth throughout the film could be seen as a metaphor for facing your demons, both literal and figurative. The man starts as a broken, shell of a human being—a guy who limps around town, getting badgered by locals who have no patience for his tragic backstory. He’s haunted by war, but when Diane’s spirit starts calling him out on his own moral failings, you’d think he’d start questioning everything.
Instead, Steve, whose struggles with PTSD and physical disability are given decent screen time, begins to find strength in confronting the supernatural. It’s almost like the ghosts of the past are doing him a favor, while also driving him completely nuts. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have the worst week of your life and then have a vengeful spirit show up to add to it, Diane has the answer: you get a few broken bones, some deep internal realizations, and a very intense final confrontation with a ghost. So, you know, the usual.
Dark Humor in the Shadows
Now, let’s talk about the dark humor. It’s not screamingly obvious, but Diane delivers it in subtle doses—much like a ghost that keeps popping up out of nowhere when you’re least expecting it. For instance, the idea that Steve—already haunted by his past—ends up being haunted by an even more haunted figure is, in its essence, darkly comedic. Watching him struggle, get stronger, and fight the very thing that is tormenting him might feel like one big cosmic joke. After all, Diane’s spirit isn’t helping him heal. If anything, it’s making him confront the fact that he was a very bad person, and maybe—just maybe—he deserves this supernatural torment. But instead of wallowing in guilt, he’s limping around like a guy who’s been given a second chance, not realizing that his second chance is wrapped in layers of ghostly dysfunction.
The film’s plot also throws in the classic trope of an investigative mystery, as Steve tries to uncover more about Diane’s death. Yet, the more he unravels, the less it makes sense. Is it really a crime thriller, or is it just Steve unraveling into madness? The answer is, of course, both. But let’s be honest: any movie where a man gets haunted by a woman’s spirit and then starts kicking ass like he’s on the Ghostbusters team automatically brings a little chuckle to the proceedings.
Cast: A Well-Acted, But Not Necessarily Likeable Bunch
The performances in Diane are another highlight. Jason Alan Smith is solid as Steve, giving us a character who’s broken, but not irredeemable. It’s a role that requires a lot of emotional investment, and Smith delivers—though you may find yourself wondering at times whether Steve’s redemption arc is more about him getting better or just him being forced into the deep end of the supernatural pool. Carlee Avers as Diane also brings a melancholic grace to her role. When she’s haunting Steve, it’s clear that she’s not just looking for vengeance; she’s looking for something more—closure, perhaps, or redemption for her own tragic end.
And let’s not forget the supporting cast. From the gruff but understanding Detective Bernard (Dick Boland) to the emotionally drained friends and family members, everyone’s performance adds a layer to the story, even if that story is less about solving a crime and more about solving the mystery of why Steve is the worst victim of a ghostly makeover ever.
The Final Act: Ghosts, Redemption, and… More Ghosts
The film builds toward its final confrontation, and when it arrives, it’s as satisfying as a horror film finale can be—without resorting to cheap jump scares or a hollow twist. Instead, it’s more about Steve confronting both his literal ghosts and metaphorical ones. It’s a cathartic, emotional battle that feels earned, but still leaves a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
Ultimately, Diane is a dark, supernatural ride through a broken man’s psyche. Is it a great film? No. Is it a film that plays with the genre’s conventions in a way that’s both eerie and darkly comedic? Absolutely. If you like your horror with a side of existential questioning and a dash of gallows humor, Diane is definitely worth a look. It’s not just about ghosts; it’s about what haunts us long after the final credits roll. And if that doesn’t tickle your twisted funny bone, well… then I guess you haven’t been paying attention to the film’s title.
