The Possession of Joel Delaney

An upper-class Manhattan divorcee living with her two children, Norah becomes increasingly unsettled by Joel's erratic behavior and the murderous events surrounding him. As a protective mother and wary guardian, she pushes through denial and rationalizes the danger to safeguard her family. Her skepticism toward the supernatural is tested as the crisis escalates and the line between reality and possession blurs.

A bohemian, charismatic brother whose persona hides a darker transformation. Joel's actions become increasingly violent as Tonio's spirit supposedly takes over his body. His behavior fractures the family dynamic and drives the central horror of the story, culminating in a deadly confrontation with the police.

Joel's former girlfriend, a socialite whose murder becomes a pivotal clue for the investigation. Her brutal death underscores the film's brutal violence and the danger lurking behind glamorous façades. She embodies the era's party-world glamour that masks a harsher reality.

Norah's Puerto Rican maid who acts as a practical bridge between worlds. Veronica assists Norah and provides grounded insight into Harlem's communities, helping to connect Norah with Don Pedro. She represents loyalty and resilience within the household under strain.

Norah's psychologist friend who has known Joel most of his life and arranges sessions to help him. Erika's professional guidance reflects the attempt to reconcile Joel's behavior with medical understanding. Her involvement intensifies the sense of a rational framework being challenged by the inexplicable.

A Santería practitioner in Harlem who attempts to banish Tonio's spirit and guide Norah through spiritual rituals. He provides cultural context and a contrast to Western medicine in addressing possession. His involvement reveals the conflict between ritual belief and skeptical modernity.

Norah's partner/adult guardian who arrives with the police later in the crisis. He represents the family’s external support system and the legal authority’s involvement as violence erupts in the home. His role underscores the collapse of domestic safety amid extraordinary events.

Norah's daughter who becomes a direct target during Joel's possession, forced to endure cruel commands. Her fear and resilience highlight the vulnerability of children in domestic crises. She is part of the family’s attempt to hold onto normalcy amid chaos.

Norah's son who is coerced by Joel, experiencing intimidation and danger firsthand. His involvement emphasizes the impact of the possession on the next generation. He represents innocence caught in the middle of adult violence.

The superintendent's son whose past crimes and presumed murder-set the backstory for the haunting. His spirit is said to possess Joel, driving the violent episodes that define the film's horror. Tonio's history is revealed through a combination of police theory and familial confession.