The Possession (2012 film)
2012 American supernatural horror film about a family and a haunted 'dybbuk box', directed by Ole Bornedal and starring Kyra Sedgwick. It drew mixed reviews and earned solid box-office returns.
Overview
The Possession is a 2012 American supernatural horror film that follows a family who encounter a mysterious antique box said to contain a malignant spirit. The movie blends domestic drama with elements of Jewish folklore, particularly the concept of a dybbuk, and frames its scares around a child's strange behavior after bringing the object into the home. The film was directed by Ole Bornedal and involved producers known for genre work, including Sam Raimi.
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Premise
At the heart of the story is an old wooden box acquired at a yard sale. Soon after, the young girl who keeps the box begins to change in unsettling ways, prompting her parents to investigate the box's origin and seek help. The narrative moves between family relationships, attempts to explain the girl's condition, and rituals or confrontations intended to remove the spirit.
Cast and characters
The film stars Kyra Sedgwick as the mother who must protect her children and understand the supernatural threat. Supporting performances include a lead male role and a child actress who portrays the afflicted daughter. The ambiguity between psychological and supernatural explanations is a recurring element in the character dynamics.
Background and themes
Unlike typical possession films that draw mainly from Christian exorcism narratives, The Possession centers on the idea of a dybbuk, a spirit from Jewish folklore that can inhabit the living. The film uses this cultural reference as a framework for its mythology while also exploring common horror themes: the vulnerability of children, the strain on family bonds, and the tension between belief and skepticism.
Production and release
Shot and produced with modest resources compared with big-studio blockbusters, the picture relied on atmosphere and practical effects. It was released nationally in 2012 and reached a broad audience through standard theatrical distribution and subsequent home media. For more production details and credits, see the film page: The Possession.
Reception and legacy
Critical response was mixed: many reviewers praised the premise and some performances while others found the execution conventional. Audiences responded well enough for the movie to recoup its costs and achieve solid box-office returns worldwide. The Possession is often noted for introducing the dybbuk motif to a mainstream American horror audience and for combining family drama with supernatural suspense.
- Genre: Supernatural horror, psychological thriller
- Notable elements: dybbuk box, family-centered narrative
- Key names: director Ole Bornedal, producer Sam Raimi, lead Kyra Sedgwick
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AlegsaOnline.com The Possession (2012 film) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/98648