The Possession

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The Possession

PG-13

Released Aug 31, 2012

1h 31m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

39%

Tomatometer

99 Reviews

48%

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50,000+ Ratings

When their youngest daughter, Em (Natasha Calis), becomes strangely obsessed with an antique wooden box bought from a yard sale, parents Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) see little cause for alarm. However, Em becomes increasingly unstable, leading the couple to fear the presence of a malevolent force. To their horror, Clyde and Stephanie learn that the box contains a dybbuk, a dislocated spirit that inhabits -- and ultimately devours -- a human host.

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Critics Consensus

It may be based on a true story, but that doesn't excuse the way The Possession repeatedly falls back on hoary ghost movie clichés -- or the uninentional laughs it provides.

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J. Hoberman

Tablet

By objectifying Jews as exotic others rather than presenting them as subjects, the Raimi production eliminates the precise element that would have been most powerful for a Jewish audience.

Aug 16, 2017

Full Review

Marc Savlov

Austin Chronicle

This effective little creeper is the only Judaic pastiche of The Exorcist you're likely to see this year. That alone gives it a jump on the umpteen other evil/possessed-child films that have become a seemingly monthly genre staple of late.

Sep 7, 2012

Full Review

Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

Director Ole Bornedal doesn't add a single idea of his own.

Sep 6, 2012

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

Just barely manages to set itself apart from the generic possession subgenre, though only barely.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 22, 2023

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Iván Kazi

EscribiendoCine

Despite the film's technical precision and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, The Possession doesn't offer anything novel or particularly entertaining. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 4/10

Jun 13, 2023

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

A PG-13-rated chiller that starts out spooky enough but gradually turns toward the cliché and silly.

Rated: 1/4

Oct 3, 2022

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Miniver S

I enjoyed it! Cast was great, little girl did a great job. I always enjoy the possession subgenre so maybe I'm an easy audience, but I really enjoyed this. It was entertaining!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/25/24

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Jay F

they killed off tzadook and he is legit the best character in it legit only watched the movie cuz of him

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/09/24

Full Review

Phoebe S

Crazy movie but overall I really like it because I love horror movies and I have never seen this before

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/24

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Johncarlos D

It lack creativity, and originality, plus the ending sucks.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/01/24

Full Review

Audience Member

An absolute gem. The acting, script, score, and exorcism are perfect. The only complaint is the slow beginning, but is well made up for by the third act. GREAT

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/31/24

Full Review

Bill T

It was okay but a little over the top with dynamics. But definitely worth a watch if you like paranormal flicks

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/17/24

Full Review

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Ole Bornedal

Director

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Clyde

Kyra Sedgwick

Stephanie

Natasha Calis

Em

Madison Davenport

Hannah

Grant Show

Brett

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The Possession: Official Clip - Jewish Exorcism

2:24

The Possession: Official Clip - The Demon Within

2:35

The Possession: Official Clip - Em's Not Here!

2:31

The Possession: Official Clip - Who Are You?

2:18

The Possession: Official Clip - Fork You!

2:05

The Possession: Official Clip - The Power of the Box

3:49

The Possession: Official Clip - Hand to Mouth

1:28

The Possession: Official Clip - Moths

1:37

The Possession: Official Clip - Demonic Expulsion

3:15

The Possession: Official Clip - Toothless

1:49

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Critics Consensus: Lawless Is Violent and Atmospheric

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Synopsis

When their youngest daughter, Em (Natasha Calis), becomes strangely obsessed with an antique wooden box bought from a yard sale, parents Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) see little cause for alarm. However, Em becomes increasingly unstable, leading the couple to fear the presence of a malevolent force. To their horror, Clyde and Stephanie learn that the box contains a dybbuk, a dislocated spirit that inhabits -- and ultimately devours -- a human host.

Director: Ole Bornedal
Producer: Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, J.R. Young
Screenwriter: Juliet Snowden, Stiles White
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Ghost House Pictures, Lionsgate Films
Rating: PG-13 (Mature Thematic Material|Disturbing Sequences|Violence)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 31, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 20, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $49.1M
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital

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