I've always been attracted to sci-fi horror, and while we may edge ever-closer to singularity, the blurring of lives and personalities through the aid of advanced technology in Possessor isn't at all that far from the realm of possibility. I found myself fascinated throughout the film by the means of possession, and as questions arose about how it all works and how such a corporate entity can exist utilizing this sinister tech, they were answered promptly and believably. And holy shit, does Brandon Cronenberg portray the fear, dysmorphia, and thrill of it all so well. After my initial watch, I don't think there was anything I didn't love about this movie.
The casting is perfect and everyone performs with ease. Every time a character was introduced, my heart jumped in my chest. “Andrea Riseborough!” “Oh damn, that’s Jennifer Jason Leigh!” “Holy shit Sean Bean’s in this movie??” “YO that’s Tanis (Kaniehtiio Horn)!!” It was like a reunion in a nightmare, friends that I’ve known from one time or another in my life all getting together only to kill each other. With each line, their characters flesh themselves out even without our realization. The conversations between Tasya and Girder are methodical and chilling, and when Tasya takes over Colin’s consciousness, the tension is overbearing as she tries to get through the days without attracting suspicion. The sound was great as well, though I admittedly wasn’t paying too close attention on my first watch (thought I yelled in elation again when I heard Orville Peck in the soundtrack). For the blood junkies, gore and violence is packed in tight from beginning to end, but somehow remain tasteful, like a well-paced eight course meal.
Above all else, I'll be talking about the visual effects of Possessor forever. Not only are the sequences of blurring and blending of consciences stunning and a thrill to experience, but the inclusion of mirrors and obstruction of body and face in crucial scenes just amplifies everything the film is going for. Hearing cinematographer Karim Hussain in episode 387 of The Movie Crypt podcast discuss how he and Brandon created these horrifying psychedelic sequences in camera with projectors and more was inspiring as well as reassuring. It meant that the nights my friends and I spent in the studio in college messing with projections and overlays was more than bullshitting assignments! It was training!
I love glitch art, I love the fear of self and losing it through technology, and I love screaming at the screen, whether in terror or cheering on the brilliant writing. Possessor took all that and more, threw it in the blender with a bucket of blood, mixed well, and told me to drink up. I'll be coming back for seconds soon enough.
