The Possession: Don’t Listen to the Naysayers

There are a lot of films released each year that, some may say, are “horror films”.  Most of the “scary” flicks that are around are slasher films; the kind of gore-fest that’s certainly got a place.  I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to the darker side of film.  Give me a good possession any day over a mass-murdering-deformed-mountain-man.

“The Possession” has received quite a few negative reviews – but I’m stuck on the other side on this one.  I liked it.  Not only that, I enjoyed it.  I was pleased to be able to enjoy a story that wasn’t simply a gore-fest interspersed with some humorous lines.

There’s no doubt that “The Possession” is a bit of an ode to “The Exorcist”.  There are a few scenes that evoke the same bleakness and isolation of “The Exorcist”.  It’s not a cheap jump-scare movie though, I have to admit, I did find myself startled a few times.

Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and estranged wife Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) are working through the beginnings of a separation when things begin to go sideways for their family.  On one of his weekends with his children, Clyde buys youngest daughter Em (Natasha Calis) a box.  The problem is that no one knows that the box has already attacked at least one person – and that was just in the opening few minutes of the film.

Em takes the box home and the downward spiral begins.  As the secret of the “Dibbuk” box is revealed, the tension in the movie builds.  It’s predictable  in the sense that a film about possession must include some obvious things.  These stories are intriguing though.  This is a story about a family that is struggling to stay together as they split into two separate units.  They’re losing touch with each other – as many families do – and the evil entity connected to the box just makes things worse.

I’m not going to give away the plot – but if you’re like me and enjoy a good “ghost story” rather than an insane slash-fest then this may be the movie for you.