PossessionJxmmedOut9.9· October 3, 2023FollowPossession (1981) was a great way to start the month, as I had been a bit busier than anticipated!! Either way, this first viewing of Possession (1981) was one that I was hoping to deliver, and it did what I was looking for. I did have some minor pacing flaws structurally speaking; I felt some aspects of the second act and side-plots were monotonous— but I can ignore all of the said flaws due to how compelled and engaged I was with the film's ability to evoke thematic resonance, through "open/abstract" visuals. I also recognize my biases toward "horror/thriller" lead films— that can thoughtfully implement different genre's stylistic elements. That said— I don't believe there was a moment where I felt I lost the direction of the film, but in the same breath, the film wasn't necessarily predictable by the end, in my opinion. I had initially known about the "twist," so I thought the "awe" factor of the film would tamper. Safe to say, in my experience, it wasn't. I felt that in knowing a bit about what was to come, in that regard, I could spend time understanding the layers within the existing themes— and the more surreal elements/parallels of the film. The film was also strangely funny, in the dark, yet genuinely humanizing way— that's an instant in for me. What I found most personally appealing about Possession (1981) was the film is somewhat arresting through the structure of storytelling, visuals, and performance — and I am appreciative of the meticulous nature the film handles "fear of the unknown/omnipresent"— centered through a turbulent relationship; to say the least. This grounded aspect of the film and their relationship helped illustrate the cyclical nature of the two leads' behaviors in finding love or moving on. These themes and ideas about the characters, I felt, were greatly emphasized by very surreal moments— like the sequence where Anna is in the tunnel and is being possessed, as a visual representation of the "fight between fate and chance," excreting through her body (sorry, for lack of a better phrase). Along with the final scene involving Anna and Mark, and then the final scenes in general, etc., were moments where I felt the film compelled me the most and allowed me to ignore my objections. Across the board, I felt the film had strong– integral performances, echoing the intentional work in storytelling, from direction, creativity, and production. Possession (1981) hits a majority of the narrative and creative hallmarks of a thriller I will come back to; I believe the film will marinate in my head for a while. This film should creep into my top thrillers (and likely general films) sooner rather than later. I don't think I should mince words trying to over-analyze this film, as it was more of an exploration of experience for me— one I hope everyone would see, if willing/able to access. *21st BirthdayCommentsSign in to react and join the conversation.Sign inGet the appSee all JxmmedOut's reviews for Possession (2)First watch9.9October 3, 2023Rewatch 19.9October 3, 2024