The Possession (2012)Director: Ole Bornedal
Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Natasha Calis, Kyra Sedgwick
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 92 Minutes
Before I begin the review, I have to say I’m a believer in God, and as such I believe in demons. So, movies that deal with possession always scare me a bit, whether it’s good or not.
Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) have recently divorced and it’s been a difficult transition for their daughters, Hannah and Em. When Clyde buys a new home, the girls help him look for new dishes at a yard sale. Em discovers an antique box with strange writing on it and easily convinces her dad to buy it.
Subtle changes in Em’s personality develop, and Clyde begins to suspect something sinister is afoot. It turns out that the box is a dybbuk box and houses a malicious, dislocated soul. At the heart of the story is a family that has grown apart. It’s a demon that brings them back together. I’m fairly certain that wasn’t the malevolent spirit’s intention.
It is well acted; the young Natasha Calis superbly transitions between normal young girl to evil being with natural ease. The special effects are really cool. A few scenes were kind of freaky which is essential for a horror movie.
I love, love, love that this movie is based in the Jewish faith. So often stories of possession involve the Catholic Church and priests. This was a change of pace. While it wasn’t a jump at every turn kind of movie, it did churn out more than a few ‘gulp’ moments.
Overall, this film is a good representation of the possession horror genre. It’s no Exorcist, but well worth watching.
Reviewer's Rating: 3
