Certain films aren’t designed merely for amusement or satisfaction; instead, they aim to jolt you, provoke you, and take you beyond your familiar territory. They achieve this not only through frightening scenes or graphic violence but also by evoking intense emotions. Imagine a narrative that initially resembles a breakup drama. However, as it progresses, it becomes increasingly peculiar and disquieting, as if something catastrophic is imminent. And then it happens. With screams, outbursts, violence, and an eerie, unsettling creature at the heart of the chaos. The situation spirals completely out of control. By midway through, there’s no question about it: this is Possession (1981).
The storyline revolves around Mark (Sam Neill), a former spy, who discovers his wife Anna (Isabelle Adjani) is seeking a divorce upon his return home. Instead of marking the end of an ordinary marriage, things take a sinister turn when he employs a detective to trail her. Anna’s actions become increasingly bizarre, as she grows more detached and displays erratic and violent behavior. Just when their emotional turmoil reaches its peak, an unexpected third element enters the picture, escalating their personal drama into a terrifying ordeal.
This movie, even for those accustomed to the most frightening horror flicks, packs a powerful punch. The plot is eerily reminiscent of a distressing dream, where it intertwines marital discord, an unsettling sense of unease, and a form of insanity that’s difficult to articulate. What truly chills the bone isn’t the monster when it emerges, but rather how the characters disintegrate among themselves. The horror lies in emotional turmoil, guilt, rage, and the disintegration of something long past its breaking point. On screen, we witness the unraveling of two individuals who can no longer comprehend each other – or perhaps even let go.
Although “Possession” is a horror film, it carries its weight as strongly in the realm of drama. The horrific elements serve symbolically to reflect the inner turmoil of the characters. When that terrifying creature appears on screen, it underscores what’s been there all along: something sinister lurking within. In truth, the creature is almost a secondary aspect; the true impact comes from the anguished cries, the exaggerated responses, and the emotional turmoil permeating every scene. This is what makes the film so difficult to bear – and impossible to forget. It belongs to the pantheon of classic horror films that remain unrivaled, leaving one to ponder whether any remake could possibly measure up.
Read Next
Beyond doubt, Adjani’s portrayal is exceptionally passionate – in the most captivating manner imaginable. She immerses herself wholeheartedly, disregarding any concerns about appearing excessive or unusual. Her intensity resonates deeply, particularly in the iconic subway scene where her emotional collapse becomes palpable. This isn’t conventional acting; it transcends the boundaries of natural performance and seems almost visceral. Her Best Actress win at Cannes was no shock, as it is seldom witnessed that someone invests so much into a single scene, maintaining an intense delivery throughout.
Contrarily, Neill is no less captivating. Initially, he strives to maintain control over his life, but gradually crumbles. His anxiety about losing his wife, envy, irritation, and rage accumulate, leaving him on the brink of collapse. The arrival of a seemingly perfect version of his wife exacerbates the situation. “Possession” effectively illustrates that idealizing someone can be as harmful as the loss of love itself. Ultimately, he proves incapable of dealing with the real woman – only the idealized version in his mind. This ends up leading to another heart-wrenching tale.
In this narrative, the environment significantly amplifies the suspense and immerses the audience effortlessly, making them respond instinctively to what’s unfolding on screen. The plot is set in Berlin where the Wall still stands, creating a chilling atmosphere that permeates the characters and the overall tone. Everything appears cold, desolate, and grim – there’s no sense of warmth or security. The locations seem eerie, as if they were never intended for habitation. This setting effectively conveys an unsettling sensation that something is amiss – perfect for a gripping horror film experience.
It’s worth mentioning that Andrzej Żuławski’s directing style deviates significantly from the norm. The camera frequently moves, the actors seldom remain stationary, and scenes are often prolonged and intense. The director intentionally constructs a tense rhythm, giving the impression that the movie is in turmoil alongside its protagonists. Exaggeration is prevalent, yet it’s this intensity that aligns perfectly with the film’s intent. The goal isn’t to be subtle or controlled – it’s to portray an unhinged, raw, and chaotic experience. Discomfort is an integral aspect, so viewers unwilling to fully immerse themselves might not complete the movie.
Instead of providing clarity or resolution, the movie’s finale only adds to the mystery and intrigue. The conclusion leaves viewers bewildered, drained, and somewhat disoriented, which is precisely why it stands out. Unlike typical films that offer comforting resolutions, this one refrains from offering relief, explanation, or simple answers. Instead, it poses questions without providing clear responses, leaving the audience feeling uneasy, and this sensation lingers long after the movie ends. Many viewers return to watch it again, hoping to decipher their initial feelings, only to find themselves experiencing those emotions anew (and sometimes even more intensely).
The timeless classic “Possession” retains its powerful impact in an unusual manner: while it hasn’t lessened over time, it seems even more unsettling now. The chilliness in interactions, the emotional turmoil, and the futile attempts to comprehend another person – all still resonate profoundly, perhaps even more so than when it was initially released. Among the outstanding horror movies, this one is particularly distinctive, daring, and emotionally gripping, a must-see for any dedicated horror enthusiast.
At the moment, you can freely stream Possession on the video streaming services connected to libraries such as Kanopy and Hoopla.
Read More
- We Loved Both of These Classic Sci-Fi Films (But They’re Pretty Much the Same Movie)
- Masters Toronto 2025: Everything You Need to Know
- Street Fighter 6 Game-Key Card on Switch 2 is Considered to be a Digital Copy by Capcom
- The Lowdown on Labubu: What to Know About the Viral Toy
- ‘The budget card to beat right now’ — Radeon RX 9060 XT reviews are in, and it looks like a win for AMD
- Mario Kart World Sold More Than 780,000 Physical Copies in Japan in First Three Days
- Valorant Champions 2025: Paris Set to Host Esports’ Premier Event Across Two Iconic Venues
- Microsoft Has Essentially Cancelled Development of its Own Xbox Handheld – Rumour
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Forza Horizon 5 Update Available Now, Includes Several PS5-Specific Fixes
2025-06-20 01:10