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Horripilations Review of Possessor (2020)

Possessor (2020) – Movie Review

Synopsis

"Possessor" is a visceral, thought-provoking psychological horror film directed by Brandon Cronenberg. Set in a near-future dystopian world where corporate espionage takes on grotesque new dimensions, the narrative follows Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough), an assassin who uses a high-tech brain-implant device to take control of other people’s bodies. This allows her to carry out murders on behalf of powerful clients, facilitating corporate sabotage in a world fuelled by greed and violence.

Tasya’s life is incredibly compartmentalised; she is a dedicated assassin in her professional life but struggles with her personal identity and familial connections. The impact of her violent profession weighs heavily upon her, causing psychological strains that manifest in disturbing visions and anxiety. The story intensifies when Tasya is assigned to carry out a hit on the heir of a wealthy family, Colin Tate (Christopher Abbott), who becomes a resistance to her control. As Tasya’s connection with Colin deepens and she grapples with the blurring line between his consciousness and her own, the film delves into themes of identity, loss, and the dangers of technology.

As she inhabits Colin’s body, Tasya faces unexpected challenges; he fights back against her control in ways that lead to a spiralling descent into madness. The ensuing chaos becomes a battle for supremacy between their two minds, resulting in a harrowing exploration of free will, the psyche, and the morbid results of taking control. Tasya’s life fragments further as she loses grip on her reality, leading to violence that spirals out of control. The film culminates in a climactic confrontation between her essence and Colin’s, while also charting her relationship with her husband and child—highlighting the emotional cost of her profession.

With a compelling narrative, "Possessor" is both a grotesque meditation on the implications of technology and a chilling tale of psychological horror, drawing viewers relentlessly into its mind-bending depths.

List of Actors and Their Characters

  • Andrea Riseborough as Tasya Vos: The lead character, a skilled assassin grappling with her identity and the consequences of her work.
  • Christopher Abbott as Colin Tate: The heir and target of Tasya’s mission, who becomes entangled in her psychological battle.
  • Jennifer Jason Leigh as Girder: Tasya’s superior, who oversees her missions, representing the corporate world’s merciless nature.
  • Taj Atwal as Amy: A colleague who works alongside Tasya and offers workforce insights into the ethical implications of their actions.
  • Sean Bean as John Parse: A key figure in the corporate espionage world, who plays a pivotal role in Tasya’s assignments.
  • Emma Mackey as the Young Woman: A character who represents the interconnectedness of Tasya’s life outside her work.
  • Martin Donovan as the Father: A significant figure in Tasya’s personal life, showcasing the emotional ramifications of her work on family ties.

Conclusion

Brandon Cronenberg’s "Possessor" doesn’t just serve as a chilling thriller; it is an intricate tapestry woven with existential dread and emotional turmoil. The film’s visual aesthetic, underscored by stark colours and disturbingly visceral imagery, creates an unsettling atmosphere that challenges viewers psychologically. Andrea Riseborough delivers a formidable performance, showcasing the internal struggle of a haunted character. Christopher Abbott serves as a powerful counterpart, portraying a mix of vulnerability and resistance that heightens the stakes.

The film’s exploration of identity, autonomy, and the pervasive influence of technology resounds with contemporary societal concerns, making it not only a brutal horror film but also a potent commentary. Additionally, the haunting score and striking cinematography elicit a mood that keeps audiences on edge, combining both artistic merit and narrative strength.

Even though "Possessor" addresses dark and grim themes, it succeeds in crafting a multi-dimensional narrative that resonates long after the credits roll. With its difficult subject matter, this film will appeal to those who appreciate both horror and thought-provoking cinema that lingers in the mind.

Overall, "Possessor" deserves a commendable score of 8.5 out of 10. Its willingness to explore the darker aspects of the human condition, paired with Cronenberg’s attention to both psychological detail and transgressive horror, distinguishes it as a standout piece in contemporary cinema.

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