Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Possession’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Caution: This article contains discussions regarding domestic abuse, domestic violence, and emotional abuse. Which may be triggering to some individuals.
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While horror has always given us something to fear through the incredible scares and monsters and gore that populate its landscape, it is also a hopeful genre. Because evil is often defeated in these tales, giving us a sense that things will be all right in the world when the right people step up to the plate. And often times, horror stories that are painfully bleak in nature, add a shred of something wondrous at the end of the story to give us hope. Not to mention, they sometimes examine the beauty of who we are when that prevails over a tough or terrifying scenario. All because, horror is designed to take us on a ride, one that is safe and secure and leaves us thinking.
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But every now and then, you run into a horror story, that rejects that. It could be because the filmmaker or writer is eager to tell a true tale of terror. One where there are no happy endings and evil wins, to really rattle the viewer or the reader in an effort to hammer home an important message. Or… they could have little belief in humanity and want to explore the darkness we carry and the true evil we are capable of. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means because horror is designed to do those things and scare us regardless. It just means we need to be ready to experience a waking nightmare when that kind of story falls into our laps, because it is going to take us on quite the unsettling and uncomfortable journey and really… that harsh reality about horror is top of mind today, simply because a movie in that vein is now available to stream on Shudder.  

For Possession is a story that features some ugly moments. All of which are brought forth through an introduction to a family in crisis. For we immediately dive into the world of Anna and Mark, a couple that are on the brink of divorce. Simply because Mark is rarely home due to his work, and Anna wants someone to love her and be there for her and their son, Bob. Which pushes this couple to try and make amends and love one another… but to no avail. Instead, an affair that Anna has been having is revealed and the pain that engenders in Mark brings out the worst in him. To the point where both parties tear each other down physically and emotionally, and Mark is so distraught over this betrayal that he hires a private investigator to truly learn how deep this affair goes and what that will uncover, will change Mark’s life for the worse, in ways he never thought possible. 

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Which at first glance, appears to be a story that is grounded deeper in infidelity and broken relationships than say… something horrific and twisted. But make no mistake about it, this is no drama, this is a horror film through and through. One that truly puts domestic violence and abuse in the spotlight in a harrowing manner. Since we are privy to moments that we know happen behind closed doors between the abuser and the abused, we simply don’t acknowledge it because it is taboo in nature, and no one really wants to think about it. But this film holds nothing back regarding its investigation into how evil this behavior is and how dark it truly is and that alone, could have carried this motion picture from beginning to end and that would have explained why this movie was banned back in the year it was released, the ultra-conservative 1981.
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But there are more horrors regarding the human condition to be found in this tale. For there is a supernatural element present in this tale as well, one that stands in as the allegory for what domestic abuse does to individuals that impart it and suffer from it. Making it clear how devastating its impact can be. Plus, there are grand discussions about toxic masculinity and how male ego and pride transform into something nightmarish when toxically enabled and there are even discussions regarding the horrifying nature of co-dependency. If anything, this movie just puts… the worst parts of us on display and reminds us of what we are truly capable of and how that could genuinely destroy modern society if we were to ever let it persist. Courtesy of a fascinating ending that well, leaves one in need of a hug.

Because this is… a bleak horror film through and through. One that holds nothing back and shockingly, features zero redeemable characters. For everyone here is the dregs of humanity and that does leave one to wonder, why on earth would a person want to watch a movie in this vein? Well, the answer to that is simple, because it is quality horror. Because this is what horror does best and there is plenty of room for tales of terror that dive deep into the worst parts of us, because they too, teach. They teach us to not be like Mark and the people in his world and teach us that there are better and healthier ways to handle toxic relationships, and all it takes to teach us those lessons, is to endure one stunning film… one that will stay with you long after it’s come to an end. 

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