In Ismael's Ghosts, Mathieu Amalric portrays a recurring character named Ismaël Vuillard, who appeared in Arnaud Desplechin's Kings and Queen.

[12] The film includes quotes from Jacques Lacan's Seminar VIII, Rainer Maria Rilke's Schlaflied, and Philip Roth's American Pastoral.

The website's critical consensus reads, "Ismael's Ghosts unites an excellent cast — and their valiant efforts are often enough to counter its somewhat confused and disjointed story.

[21] Sam C. Mac of Slant Magazine gave the film 3 stars out of 4, calling it "one of Desplechin's most emphatic expressions of his personal, ever-expanding artistic vision.

"[22] David Parkinson of Empire gave the film 3 stars out of 5, saying, "even those without the foggiest about what they're watching will have to admit that the performances are compelling, and the prospect that the pieces will defy logic and slot into place remains enticing.