Movie Review: The Possession (2012)
Synopsis
The Possession is a supernatural horror film directed by Ole Bornedal, released in 2012. The narrative revolves around a recently divorced father, Clyde Brenek, and his two daughters, Hannah and Emily. During a visit to a local yard sale, Emily discovers an antiquated box, which she insists on purchasing. Unbeknownst to them, the box is a dybbuk (a malicious spirit from Jewish folklore), and as Emily starts to embrace the box, she falls prey to its sinister influence.
As Emily becomes increasingly possessed, her behaviour grows erratic and frightening. Clyde, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, begins to notice the changes in his daughter; she exhibits violent and uncharacteristic actions and experiences horrific visions. Panic sets in as Emily becomes lost to the entity inhabiting her, prompting Clyde and his ex-wife, Stephanie, played by Kyra Sedgwick, to seek help whilst racing against time. Their journey introduces them to the history of the dybbuk and the consequences of tampering with dark forces. The film delves into themes of family, divorce, and the struggle to reconnect amidst chaos.
List of Actors and Characters
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Clyde Brenek
- Kyra Sedgwick as Stephanie Brenek
- Madison Davenport as Emily Brenek
- Natasha Calis as Hannah Brenek
- Grant Show as Dr. Horne
- Johnathon Schaech as the Rabbi
- Shayne Topp as a young boy
Conclusion
The Possession makes an ambitious attempt to blend traditional horror with elements of familial drama. The film’s premise, inspired by true events and Jewish folklore, lays a solid groundwork for a compelling narrative, yet it suffers from some typical pitfalls encountered in the genre.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s portrayal of Clyde delivers genuine emotional weight, enabling viewers to sympathise with his plight as a worried father. Sadly, this emotional arc does not always translate effectively to the film’s horror elements, creating a disjointed experience. The dynamic between Clyde and his daughters, particularly his strained relationship with Emily, is well-explored, allowing for moments of tenderness amid escalating terror.
However, despite promising character depth, the film occasionally leans into predictable jump scares and clichéd horror tropes that ultimately diminish its impact. While the premise is supported by well-executed special effects and a haunting atmosphere, there are moments where the plot falters under the weight of its own aspirations. The exploration of the dybbuk could have benefited from a richer narrative that dives deeper into its origins and significance, providing a more robust context for the havoc it wreaks.
As a representation of its genre, The Possession has its merits. It successfully integrates elements of folklore into a contemporary setting, making it unique among other horror offerings of the time. The solid performances, particularly from Morgan and Sedgwick, coupled with a genuinely frightening concept, give it a commendable edge. Yet, the lack of originality and over-reliance on standard horror conventions ultimately weaken its overall execution.
In conclusion, The Possession presents an engaging narrative that appeals to horror enthusiasts but falls victim to a formulaic approach. It certainly offers chilling moments and a compelling story that examines familial bonds, but the horror is somewhat diluted by its predictability. With its intriguing premise and a few standout performances, The Possession earns a score of 6 out of 10. It serves as an enjoyable watch for fans of supernatural horror but may leave others yearning for a more innovative execution.
