Possession

Possession

Year: 2002

Runtime: 102 min

Language: Norwegian

Director: Neil LaBute

DramaMysteryRomance

During a devastating Spanish flu pandemic, a priest and his son journey back to their isolated Norwegian farm from missionary work in Madagascar. Seeking to build a new church, the priest unknowingly chooses a site upon an ancient Sami burial ground. Disturbing the spirits of the ancestors, a terrifying supernatural force is unleashed, haunting the settlers and confronting them with the chilling reality of death.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Possession (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Possession (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Victorian Era

The Victorian Era was characterized by strict social norms and an emphasis on morality, which often clashed with individual desires and modernist ideas. This period saw significant literary advancements but also societal constraints, particularly regarding love and sexuality. The contrasts between the characters' pursuits and societal expectations highlight the dramatic tension of navigating personal truths within such a repressive framework.

Location

British Museum, Yorkshire, Europe

The British Museum serves as a central hub for literary discovery in the film, reflecting its rich history and extensive collection. Yorkshire provides a contrasting landscape, embodying the beauty and tranquility that often acts as a backdrop for intimate moments. As the characters travel across Europe, they navigate through historical contexts and cultural landscapes that deepen their understanding of love and legacy.

🏛️ Museum 🌳 Nature 🌍 Europe

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Main Characters – Possession (2002)

Meet the key characters of Possession (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Roland Michell (Aaron Eckhart)

Roland Michell is a dedicated literary scholar whose curiosity drives him to uncover secrets of the past. His character embodies a mix of ambition and vulnerability, leading him to take risks that challenge his moral compass. Throughout the film, he evolves from a passive observer to an active participant in a quest that intertwines with his own emotional journey.

📖 Scholar 💔 Romantic 🔍 Investigator

Maud Bailey (Gwyneth Paltrow)

Maud Bailey is an intelligent and independent feminist whose dedication to her scholarship is matched by personal complexities. Torn between her feelings for Fergus and her connection to the Victorian poets, Maud's character showcases the struggle of living authentically within societal pressures. Her evolution throughout the story reflects the theme of self-discovery and the re-evaluation of relationships.

🔍 Scholar ♀️ Feminist ❤️ Complex

Randolph Henry Ash (Jeremy Northam)

Randolph Henry Ash represents the traditional values of the Victorian period, yet his correspondence with LaMotte reveals a hidden depth of desire and conflict. His character embodies the tension between societal expectations and personal yearnings, illustrating the sacrifices made in the name of love and the consequences of secrecy. Ash's internal struggles mirror those of the modern characters as they confront their own relationships.

📖 Poet 💔 Traditional 🔒 Secretive

Christabel LaMotte (Jennifer Ehle)

Christabel LaMotte is a free-spirited poet whose bisexuality and passionate correspondence with Ash defy Victorian norms. Her character adds layers to the narrative, as her struggles with societal pressures and her deep love for Ash reveal the tragic consequences of their secret romance. LaMotte embodies the fight for personal truth against the backdrop of rigid society, making her a poignant figure in the film.

📖 Poet 🌈 Free Spirit ❤️ Romantic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Major Themes – Possession (2002)

Explore the central themes of Possession (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Betrayal

The theme of love intertwined with betrayal resonates throughout the film, showcasing the complexities of human relationships. As characters grapple with their desires and societal expectations, the heartache intensifies, leading to secretive actions and covert communications. These revelations expose how love can be both a source of joy and profound tragedy, reflecting the sacrifices individuals make for their passions.

📚 Literary Discovery

The pursuit of literary truth serves as a catalyst for the unfolding narrative, emphasizing the connection between literature and the human experience. The characters' exploration of the poets Ash and LaMotte unravels hidden connections that mirror their own lives. This theme underscores how literature can illuminate personal histories, intertwining the past and present in unexpected ways.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

Unlock the Full Story of Possession

Don't stop at just watching — explore Possession in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Possession is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Possession Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Possession, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Possession Summary

Possession Timeline

Track the full timeline of Possession with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Possession Timeline

More About Possession

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Possession: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Possession

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