Possessor

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 2, 2020

Genre
Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Andrea Riseborough as Tasya Vos
• Christopher Abbott as Colin Tate
• Jennifer Jason Leigh as Girder
• Tuppence Middleton as Ava Parse
• Sean Bean as John Parse
• Rossif Sutherland as Michael Vos

Director
Brandon Cronenberg

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Antiviral (2012)

Producer
Niv Fichman, Andrew Starke, Kevin Krikst, Fraser Ash

Writer
Brandon Cronenberg

Budget
Estimated at $6 million

Production Company
Rhombus Media, Rook Films, Particular Crowd

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
Unrated (Note: Most releases would likely be rated R for graphic violence, strong sexual content, and disturbing imagery)

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence and gore
• Sexual content and nudity
• Disturbing images
• Strong language

Movie Story
Possessor is a mind-bending and visually striking sci-fi horror film that delves into themes of identity, control, and the nature of violence. Directed by Brandon Cronenberg, the film is a cerebral exploration of how technology can blur the lines between the self and others, leading to nightmarish consequences.

The story follows Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough), an elite corporate assassin who works for a secretive organization that uses brain-implant technology to take over other people’s bodies and commit murders on behalf of high-paying clients. Tasya is a highly skilled operative, but the psychological toll of inhabiting other people’s bodies and committing acts of violence is beginning to wear on her, causing her to lose her grip on her own identity.

Her latest assignment is to take control of Colin Tate (Christopher Abbott), a man who is engaged to the daughter of a wealthy tech mogul, John Parse (Sean Bean). Tasya’s mission is to assassinate John Parse by making it appear as though Colin has gone on a murderous rampage. However, once inside Colin’s body, Tasya finds herself struggling to maintain control, as Colin begins to fight back against the invasion of his mind. The boundaries between Tasya’s consciousness and Colin’s start to blur, leading to a violent and surreal battle for control.

As Tasya and Colin’s identities collide, the film becomes a nightmarish descent into madness, filled with graphic and unsettling imagery that reflects the characters’ psychological fragmentation. Possessor explores the consequences of losing oneself in the act of violence and raises questions about the ethical implications of technology that allows one to inhabit another’s body.

Special Effects
Possessor is known for its visually striking and disturbing special effects, which play a crucial role in creating the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The practical effects and makeup used to depict the film’s graphic violence are visceral and unflinching, contributing to the horror elements of the story. The film also employs surreal and psychedelic imagery to represent the merging of identities and the breakdown of the boundaries between Tasya and Colin’s consciousnesses. These effects are central to the film’s exploration of identity and control, making Possessor a visually intense experience.

Box Office Performance
Possessor was released in a limited number of theaters and on-demand, performing modestly at the box office given its niche appeal and the challenges of releasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the film received critical acclaim, particularly for its direction, visual style, and the performances of Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott. Possessor quickly gained a reputation as a standout entry in the body horror genre, earning a cult following among fans of cerebral and unsettling sci-fi horror.

Filming Locations

• Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “Pull me out.” – Tasya Vos
• “I’m struggling to hold on to myself.” – Tasya Vos
• “This is it. This is your moment. Pull the trigger.” – Girder

Behind-the-Scenes
Possessor was written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, the son of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg, known for his pioneering work in the body horror genre. Brandon Cronenberg’s direction in Possessor reflects the influence of his father’s work while also establishing his own distinct voice as a filmmaker. The film was praised for its bold and uncompromising vision, with Cronenberg’s use of practical effects and intense psychological themes being particularly noted. The performances of Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott were also lauded, as they brought depth and complexity to their roles in a film that demands both emotional and physical intensity.

Awards

• Won the Sundance Film Festival’s Special Jury Prize (Best Director – Brandon Cronenberg)
• Nominated for 5 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Motion Picture and Best Director
• Won the Saturn Award for Best Independent Film

Final Verdict
Possessor is a gripping and disturbing sci-fi horror film that pushes the boundaries of the genre with its intense visuals, thought-provoking themes, and powerful performances. Brandon Cronenberg has crafted a nightmarish exploration of identity, control, and the human capacity for violence that is both intellectually challenging and viscerally unsettling. Possessor is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and body horror, offering a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

IMDb Rating
6.5/10