The Underrated Sci-Fi Masterpiece You Must Watch Now

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2020’s film “Possessor” is one of the most mesmerizing science fiction tales in recent history, and it’s undeniably deserving of more recognition than it’s received. Directed by Brandon Cronenberg, this movie revolves around Tasya Vos (played by Andrea Riseborough), a professional assassin who takes control of other people’s bodies to carry out her missions. Upon its release, “Possessor” garnered exceptional acclaim from critics, boasting a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews from 225 critics. The film was highly praised by industry insiders; however, it didn’t resonate as much with the general public. Consequently, “Possessor” has remained relatively unknown since its theater release. However, if you’re a fan of science fiction combined with psychological thriller and horror elements, then you should definitely watch “Possessor”.

The storyline of ‘Possession’ is straightforward yet deeply contemplative. In this narrative, Vos undertakes a fresh assignment to eliminate John Parse, a CEO, and his daughter Ava, while inhabiting the body of Ava’s fiancé Colin Tate. As Vos grapples with dissociation, she ends up killing Ava instead. Unable to force Tate to take his own life to complete the job, she becomes trapped inside Tate’s body. The tale that unfolds is a thought-provoking journey involving multiple characters and gruesome deaths. Despite being underappreciated, ‘Possession’ exhibits the hallmarks of an exceptional science fiction movie.

Possessor‘s Is a Grim But Excellent Sci-Fi Story

The compelling narrative of the movie “Possessor” thrives on a persistent atmosphere of suspense and enigma, accentuated by several unexpected twists toward its climax. Initially, the plot appears conventional, as viewers might anticipate that Vos will eventually awaken from her trance and sever ties with her employer Girder (portrayed by Jennifer Jason Leigh), who is urging her to forsake her family for her brutal line of work. However, “Possessor” departs from the norm as a nihilistic sci-fi production, with its core narrative revolving around a woman so deeply entrenched in her brutal profession that she becomes disconnected from her true life, reaching a point of no return. Vos is encouraged to shed her compassion and assume the role of an elite assassin at the cost of her identity and raison d’être. It’s a harrowingly grim tale, but Cronenberg’s mastery makes it a worthwhile experience.

In Brandon Cronenberg’s film, Possessor, which is his father David Cronenberg’s sci-fi legacy continuation, there’s an abundance of blood and gore. The death scenes escalate the genre of body horror with stabbings, shootings, and other grisly methods of demise. At its most intense violent moments, Possessor can be challenging to watch. However, the film’s stunning visual style transcends its gory imagery. The captivating cinematography draws viewers into Vos’ experience as she takes over other beings and then separates from her family. Additionally, close-up shots and disorienting illusions effectively set the tone for the movie’s themes in Possessor.

In the movie Possessor, the actors truly stand out, leveraging the excellent script to deliver stellar performances. Riseborough masterfully embodies Vos, a dedicated yet emotionally detached character, making it easy for viewers to sense the impact of work-related stress on her. Simultaneously, Abbott delivers an impressive portrayal of Tate, highlighting the stark contrast between Tate himself, the controlled character, and the version influenced by Vos. As Tate’s desperation intensifies, his sanity erodes, and bodies pile up, it becomes captivating to witness this downward spiral. Abbott convincingly portrays the torment that Tate’s character experiences in this harrowing tale.

Possessor Should Be Considered Among This Decade’s Sci-Fi Greats

In the realm of science fiction cinema, Possessor walks in the footsteps of iconic films from the 2010s, such as Ex Machina, Inception, and Arrival. These groundbreaking movies laid the foundation for the science fiction masterpieces that emerged in the 2020s, including Nope, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and the Dune series. While Possessor may not reach the same level of fame or universal praise as these films, it deserves to be recognized among the top science fiction movies of the past decade so far. It’s challenging to find another recent science fiction story that is as graphically stunning, suspenseful, and intellectually stimulating all at once. The dark narrative of Possessor is innovative and captivating, making it a unique film that every science fiction enthusiast should watch.

Possessor is currently available to stream for free on Tubi.

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2025-06-05 20:10