The Possession

The Possession

Year: 2012

Runtime: 92 min

Language: english

Director: Ole Bornedal

Budget: $14M

ThrillerHorror

A family's life takes a disturbing turn when their daughter becomes fascinated by an antique box acquired at a yard sale. Her behavior increasingly erratic, her parents discover the box contains a dibbuk, a malevolent spirit. They must then confront the terrifying reality that the vengeful spirit is possessing their child and will do anything to claim her completely.

The Possession (2012) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Possession (2012) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a quiet suburb where the everyday rhythms of divorce, parenting, and teenage life blend into a fragile normalcy, a small family struggles to stay afloat. Clyde works to rebuild his life after separating from Stephanie Brenek, while their two daughters, Em and Hannah, navigate the awkward terrain of adolescence under the watchful eyes of their parents. The house is filled with the muted tension of past resentments and the hopeful attempts at new beginnings, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and unsettled. The film’s tone drifts between the ordinary hum of family life and an undercurrent of dread that hints something unseen is stirring.

The catalyst arrives in the form of an unassuming antique box discovered at a local yard sale. Em, drawn to its strange carvings and silent promise of mystery, convinces Clyde to bring it home. The box quickly becomes more than a curious trinket; its presence seems to echo through the corridors of the house, casting shadows that flicker with an inexplicable chill. Subtle whispers and odd sensations begin to weave themselves into the everyday, suggesting that the object harbors a history far darker than its weathered exterior implies. The notion of a dybbuk—a restless, malevolent spirit trapped within an object—lurks just beyond explicit explanation, allowing the audience to feel the growing tension without revealing its full nature.

As the family’s routine unravels, each member confronts the unsettling changes subtly rippling through their lives. Stephanie strives to protect her children while grappling with her own doubts, and Clyde finds himself torn between rational skepticism and the palpable fear building around his daughter. Em’s fascination with the box deepens, hinting at a connection that blurs the line between curiosity and possession. The story balances the ordinary with the uncanny, inviting viewers to wonder how far the veil between safety and the supernatural can be stretched before it finally tears.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 07:01

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Supernatural Family Horror Movies like The Possession

Stories where families must confront an otherworldly evil threatening their children.If you liked The Possession, explore movies where a family's bond is tested by a demonic force or cursed object. These similar horror stories feature parents battling supernatural threats to save their children, creating tense and emotionally heavy viewing experiences centered on family in peril.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern typically begins with the introduction of a cursed object or entity into a fragile family dynamic. The story escalates steadily as the supernatural threat grows, focusing on the parents' investigation and desperate attempts to find a solution, often culminating in a ritual or confrontation to banish the evil.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a core theme of familial protection against supernatural horror. They combine high-intensity scares with the heavy emotional weight of child endangerment, creating a uniquely unsettling and tense atmosphere rooted in a universal fear.

Cursed Object Horror Films like The Possession

Tales where an innocuous found object unleashes a slow-building, inescapable evil.Fans of The Possession and its dybbuk box will enjoy these movies about haunted or cursed artifacts. Discover similar thrillers where a discovered object brings a sinister presence, leading to a steady build of psychological terror and a fight for survival against an ancient evil.

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Narrative Summary

The plot follows a clear cause-and-effect structure: an object is discovered, its evil nature is gradually revealed through unsettling events, and the characters must uncover its history to find a way to stop the curse before it consumes them completely. The horror is often psychological and physical.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their use of a cursed artifact as the central antagonist. They share a steady pacing that builds oppressive tension, a straightforward narrative of discovery and confrontation, and a dark, sinister mood that makes the ordinary feel threatening.

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The Possession Summary

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The Possession Summary

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The Possession Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Possession

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Possession

More About The Possession

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