The Possession

The Possession

Year: 2012

Runtime: 92 min

Language: english

Director: Ole Bornedal

ThrillerHorror

In this chilling true story, The Possession, a family's world is turned upside down when their young daughter becomes inexplicably enthralled by an antique box from a yard sale. As her behavior descends into madness, her parents must confront the terrifying reality that the box contains a malevolent dibbuk, a vengeful spirit that feeds on human fear and will stop at nothing to claim its host.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Possession (2012)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Possession (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1920s, Present Day

The ancient dybbuk box, central to the story, dates back to the 1920s, reflecting the cultural beliefs and fears surrounding spirits in Jewish folklore. In contrast, the family's journey unfolds in present-day America, juxtaposing modern life with age-old supernatural threats that challenge familial bonds.

Location

Morgue, University, Family Home

The morgue serves as a chilling backdrop for the climactic exorcism scene, heightening the film's tension and horror. The university acts as a place of knowledge where Clyde seeks information about the dybbuk box's sinister history. Their family home represents the battleground of demonic possession, once a safe haven that becomes engulfed in fear and unrest.

🏥 Hospital 🎓 Education 🏡 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:54

Main Characters – The Possession (2012)
Meet the key characters of The Possession (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Clyde Brenek (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

Clyde is a devoted father trying to navigate his responsibilities post-divorce. His love for his daughters drives him to confront the supernatural at all costs, showcasing his determination and vulnerability. As his world spirals into chaos, Clyde's journey highlights the complexities of parental love in desperate situations.

👨‍👧 Fatherhood 🔍 Determination 😰 Vulnerability

Stephanie Brenek (Kyra Sedgwick)

Stephanie is a caring mother who faces the trials of a fractured family while grappling with the increasingly violent behavior of her daughter. Her emotional strength is tested as she balances her love for her children with the fear of losing them to a sinister force. Stephanie's character embodies resilience and maternal instinct.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 💔 Resilience 😟 Fear

Em Brenek (Natasha Calis)

Em is a young girl whose innocent curiosity leads her to a horrifying possession. Her character's transformation serves as a haunting portrayal of innocence corrupted, showcasing her struggles with identity due to external influences. Em's decline into isolation and aggression reflects the trauma of loss of control over one's own body and mind.

👧 Innocence 📉 Isolation 😡 Aggression

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:54

Major Themes – The Possession (2012)
Explore the central themes of The Possession (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😨 Possession

Possession is a critical theme, exploring emotional and physical control over an individual. Em's terrifying transformation into a host for the dybbuk encapsulates the struggle between darkness and the human spirit, raising profound questions about identity and self. This theme underscores the fragility of the human psyche when confronted with malevolent forces.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Family

The film intricately weaves family dynamics amidst the trials of possession. Clyde and Stephanie's relationship is tested, though their shared concern for their daughters highlights the resilience of family ties. It demonstrates that love can be a source of strength in the fight against external malevolence.

🕎 Cultural Beliefs

Cultural beliefs play a pivotal role, particularly in the representation of the dybbuk as a Jewish demon. The film delves into the significance of rituals and folklore, showcasing how cultural context shapes the interpretation of evil. Tzadok's guidance reflects the importance of understanding one's heritage in confronting supernatural threats.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:54

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