David Harbour’s Silent Performance in "We Have a Ghost" Proves His Acting Chops

David Harbour, the accomplished character actor known for his work in Stranger Things and Black Widow, has taken on a unique challenge in his latest role. In Netflix’s We Have a Ghost, Harbour plays the role of Ernest the Ghost, who doesn't speak a single line throughout the entire film. It is an unusual gimmick in a leading performance, but Harbour’s performance is nothing short of exceptional.

The story follows the Presley family, who moves into a haunted house and discovers a ghost named Ernest in their attic. The family takes to YouTube to share their experience, drawing the attention of a paranormal scientist, a TV medium, and the CIA. In the midst of this chaos, Ernest befriends teenager Kevin, played by Jahi Di'Allo Winston, and they fight to keep Ernest out of the CIA's grasp.

Harbour's performance is a masterclass in non-verbal acting. He uses body language and facial expressions to convey Ernest's emotions and thoughts, and it is a testament to his skills as an actor that he creates a rich, complex characterization without any dialogue. Harbour's performance is reminiscent of the silent film era, and he proves that he has the same level of skill as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Jackie Chan.

The movie is in the vein of Amblin movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s, with parallels to E.T., Beetlejuice, Casper, and Back to the Future. However, the beating heart of the film is Harbour's Ernest, whose friendship with Kevin is touching and sincere. Harbour conveys everything he needs to without crossing the line into pantomime or sentimentality.

Harbour's performance in We Have a Ghost is a powerful reminder of the importance of good artistic choices. The decision to make Ernest a silent character was made because it made the story better, and Harbour's performance is a testament to the success of that choice. It is a rare and exceptional feat for a modern actor to pull off, and it proves that Harbour is one of the most talented actors working today.