I think I’ve seen it all now. I never in a million years anticipated that it would be possible to make a movie about demonic possession, and have it completely experienced by pronouncing the name of Jesus Christ or the symbol of the cross. “Possession” accomplished both of these tasks in one film.
To this the Jew that they say “The Exorcist” is unique and would be true and false at the same time. This is more so in that it treads the same tropes often trodden by “The Last Exorcism,” “The Devil Within,” “The Ritual” and countless others over the years. Where it is unique is that it explores the concept of Jewish faith, instead of the usual Judeo-Christian one.
If you are not religious, we know that most Jews do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Therefore, they cannot use the name of Jesus or the sign of the cross to fight demons. Although we do not share his views, it is interesting to explore the concept of possession and exorcism from a different angle.
Clyde Brenek (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) takes his daughters to an estate sale on his way home in the afternoon. The youngest, Em (Natasha Calis), is captured by an ancient wooden box with a prodigious writing on it. Clyde buys for her and they get a house. Em becomes obsessed with the box, going as far as sleeping with her and taking her to school with her.
Clyde and his ex-wife Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) become increasingly concerned as Em’s behavior becomes erratic and violent. Clyde gets the box examined and finds it to be a vessel for an evil spirit known as Dibbuk. Once the box is opened, it slowly and thoroughly consumes the human it is attached to. The two parents must overcome their unbelief and find someone in the Jewish religious community who will step up in faith and help.
Director Ole Bornedal (“Nightwatch”) is no stranger to the art of creating a suspenseful atmosphere in films. “Possession” also shows that he knows how to take what many consider boring material and breathe new life into it. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that it’s not a bad movie, but for the most part it’s really creepy and it offers some pretty meticulous visuals.
Audio and video for “possession” look and sound amazing in high definition. While the film isn’t the most vibrant when it comes to color, it makes up for what it needs through the use of bleak and dark tones. 5.1 surround sound guarantees you from every demon whispering and tumultuous crash at you throughout the movie.
Good material for the “possession” Blu-ray release features two separate documentary tracks from Director Ole Bornedal and Writers Juliet Snowden and White Styles. A 13-minute featurette entitled “The History of Dibbuk Box” is almost more disturbing than the film itself. He examines the true story of the Dibbuk chest and the people it touched. Staged games are also included.
I’d recommend “possession” to those horrors with some boring old boring territory explored in “The Exorcist” in 1973. Despite my Christian beliefs, I found the Jewish concept of possession fascinating to examine. . There may be a lot of “déjà vu” moments, but it’s light years better than other exorcism movies we’ve seen recently. I am waiting for you, “The Last Exorcism” and “The Devil Within!”
Possession” is now available on Blu-ray + Digital Copy + UltraViolet and DVD.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, e:
‘The Real Exorcist’ Bob Larson Other Successful Exorcism Talks Movies
“Anneliese: The Exorcist Tapes” DVD Review
The Exorcist Fund Director’s Cut Turns Review
