Ahead of it’s arrival on Hulu, I thought it was a good time to provide the review of Brandon Cronenberg’s critically acclaimed mind-bender ‘Possessor’, which originally released back in October of last year.
The film is about “Tasya Vos, an elite, corporate assassin, takes control of other people’s bodies using brain-implant technology to execute high-profile targets”, and stars Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Sean Bean.
Vos is losing her grip and control, and despite warning signs of her eventual break, she again goes to work on another job – the assassination of John Parse (Bean). In order to carry out the task, Vos has implanted in Colin (Abbott) who is the boyfriend of Parse’s daughter Ava (Tuppence Middleton). Immediately, Vos has difficulties controlling Colin, and overcoming his will, and it leads to a lot on internal battles between the two, who are vying for complete control.
The carnage and blood left behind in the wake of their battle spider-webs far beyond the initial target of Parse, but the deaths aren’t what dictates the story, it’s the battle within for Vos, and unraveling the puzzle that the movie leaves is the true “meat” of the film.
Possessor is visually impeccable, and the nuance of the shaky camera illustrates a potential distortion of reality. Cronenburg delivered in spades in his presentation. Make no mistake about it, after watching the film you will be Googling for the interpretation of both the ending and other parts of the film, which opens up a rabbit hole that you cannot resist jumping down.
The film is creative, unique, and captivating – and while the story isn’t easy to understand, it challenges you to accept idea that aren’t ideal or the norm – such as the idea that Vos has no interest in being a loving mother and wife and actually despises the domesticated life she is situated within.
The movie is available on-demand now, but waiting a week or so can land you it on Hulu without the charge. I highly recommend attempting to wrap your mind around the complexities of Possessor.
