Possession
Possession

Movie spotlight

Possession

1973
Movie
67 min
English

With the exception of the poor central heating system, Ray and Penny Burns' newly-purchased country house seems ideal. While repairing the pipes, a handyman digs up the cellar and uncovers the body of the home's previous owner who was murdered twenty years earlier. A séance held in the home reveals something very disturbing.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users85%
Director: Andrzej ŻuławskiGenres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

Anna and Mark live in Berlin. Their marriage is falling apart, and Anna confesses to Mark that she is having an affair. Mark becomes increasingly disturbed and obsessed with uncovering the truth about Anna's secret life, leading him down a path of psychological unraveling and violence. As the situation escalates, Anna's behavior becomes more erratic and disturbing, hinting at a supernatural or demonic influence.

Critical Reception

Possession is a highly divisive film, often described as a disturbing masterpiece or an unwatchable descent into madness. It garnered significant attention for its intense performances, graphic imagery, and uncompromising exploration of themes like love, obsession, and the breakdown of relationships. While not universally acclaimed, it has achieved cult status among cinephiles who appreciate its bold artistic vision and visceral impact.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw emotional intensity and unforgettable performances, particularly from Isabelle Adjani.

  • Noted for its disturbing, often surreal imagery and its unflinching look at psychological decay.

  • Considered a challenging but rewarding arthouse horror film that pushes boundaries.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a deeply unsettling and powerful experience, often highlighting Isabelle Adjani's career-defining performance. While many viewers were disturbed by its explicit content and graphic nature, a significant portion lauded its artistic merit and unique exploration of a deteriorating relationship.

Awards & Accolades

Isabelle Adjani won the Best Actress award at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival for her role in Possession.

Fun Fact

The film's famously graphic and controversial subway scene was inspired by a real-life incident director Andrzej Żuławski witnessed.

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