The Possession of Joel Delaney

Norah Benson attends a party hosted by her psychologist friend Erika Lorenz, where the clash between Norah's elitist world and Joel's bohemian sensibilities is evident. The night hints at a hidden, darker side in Joel that worries Norah. The contrast between their viewpoints sets the stage for the ensuing turmoil.

Two days after the party, Norah cannot reach Joel for dinner and goes to his East Village apartment. She witnesses him being escorted to Bellevue Hospital by the police after an assault on the building's superintendent. In his apartment, she finds a large switchblade and an esoteric wall symbol linking him to Tonio Pérez.

Joel cannot recall the events that landed him in the hospital and agrees to tell doctors he was under the influence of hallucinogens to secure a discharge. Norah arranges for him to see Erika, who has known him most of his life. He is released on the condition that he continues psychiatric treatment.

During sessions, Joel recounts a close but troubling friendship with Tonio Pérez. Norah welcomes Joel into her home, where his behavior becomes increasingly erratic, including probing questions about her sex life. At his birthday party, he exhibits manic energy and boundary violations.

At Norah's home for Joel's birthday, he launches into manic outbursts and insults Norah's maid Veronica in Spanish. The disturbing behavior foreshadows the violence to come and unsettles Norah about Joel's grip on reality. The night reinforces the sense that Joel's 'dark side' is taking over.

Norah visits Sherry's apartment to return an earring and discovers Sherry's decapitated body, with her head hanging from a houseplant. Detectives note similarities to earlier serial killings in Spanish Harlem, and Tonio Pérez becomes a prime suspect who has been missing. Norah suspects Tonio's influence has reached Joel.

Don Pedro, a Santería practitioner, conducts a ceremony to banish Tonio's spirit, hoping to help Joel. Tonio's mother reveals that Tonio was a murderer and that his father killed Tonio and disposed of his remains. Norah's skepticism about the supernatural renders the ritual inconclusive.

Fearing for the children's safety, Norah takes her family to a beachfront vacation home in Long Island. Erika remains involved and promises to help Joel, but the danger continues to loom. The move marks a desperate bid to escape the escalating threat.

The next morning Norah returns from a beach walk to find Erika's severed head in the kitchen, with Joel standing nearby holding a switchblade. Joel is now wholly possessed by Tonio and begins tormenting Norah and the children. The household fear reaches a new peak as the escape plan becomes urgent.

Joel forces Peter to strip and dance naked on a table and makes Carrie eat dog food, injuring her when she resists. Norah fights to intervene, but Joel's violence escalates and she is beaten. The family faces an immediate and brutal threat.

Norah struggles to protect her children as Joel's assault intensifies, culminating in a confrontation where she and the kids manage to flee. The house becomes a scene of chaos as the situation deteriorates beyond control. The night drives toward a tragic resolution.

Police arrive and fatally shoot Joel as he pursues the children. He dies in Norah's arms, and her emotional distance begins to surface in the wake of the trauma. She picks up Joel's switchblade and brandishes it toward the seeking officers, signaling a chilling, unresolved aftermath.