The Possession fingerprint
High energy, no humor.
Energy
Tense and scary
- Tension8
- Scare7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Emotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos5
- Melancholy4
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Faith and meaning, family, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality5
- Novelty4
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Direction6
- Narrative Structure6
Style
Standout sound design
- Sound Centrality8
- Music Composition7
- Cinematography6
Energy
HighTense and scary
The Possession is tense and scary.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
It keeps its emotions at a distance. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
LowFaith and meaning, family, and the mind
Its world is built around faith and meaning, family, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability3Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumStandout sound design
Look and sound: the sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Skip it if
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About
Fear the demon that doesn't fear God.
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about The Possession
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Possession worth watching?
Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 49/100 (IMDb 5.9, Rotten Tomatoes 40%, and Metacritic 45). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Possession rated?
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How long is The Possession?
1 h 32 min
The Possession runs 1 h 32 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Possession?
Not quite. Audiences rate The Possession higher (55) than critics (43). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Possession a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $14 million to make and earned $85 million worldwide, 6.1 times its budget.
What language is The Possession in?
It was made in English, with some Yiddish, Polish. Produced in United States, Canada.
In how many countries can I watch The Possession?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Possession in 53 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Possession use?
TV Tropes lists 21 storytelling tropes for The Possession, including Hollywood Exorcism, I Know Your True Name, Three-Point Landing.

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