Possessor Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman uses a brain-zapping machine to become other people and stab billionaires, but gets stuck inside a himbo with daddy issues, resulting in the most awkward family reunion ever.

🍿 Possessor: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Tasya Vos and Her Work

Tasya Vos is a highly skilled assassin working for a secretive organization that utilizes brain-implant technology. This technology allows her to inhabit the bodies of other individuals, turning them into unwitting puppets to carry out targeted assassinations. She struggles with the psychological impact of her work, blurring the lines between her identity and those she inhabits. After each assignment, Tasya undergoes a debriefing process designed to ground her in her own reality, but the lines continue to blur. The film quickly establishes the brutal and detached nature of Tasya’s profession and the toll it takes on her mental state.

The Parse Job: A Mission Gone Wrong

Tasya is assigned a high-profile hit: the assassination of John Parse, a wealthy CEO, and his daughter, Ava. She inhabits the body of Colin Tate, Ava’s boyfriend, to gain access. However, Colin begins to resist Tasya’s control, leading to a violent struggle for dominance within his mind. This resistance marks a turning point in the film. The initial success of the assassination is overshadowed by Colin’s defiance, causing the mission to unravel and trapping Tasya within his consciousness. The stakes rise dramatically as the psychological warfare intensifies.

Loss of Control and Violent Aftermath

Unable to force Colin to commit suicide as planned, Tasya finds herself increasingly trapped within his mind. Colin, grappling with fragmented memories and the horrifying realization of his actions, becomes a danger to everyone around him. He lashes out violently, unable to distinguish between his own impulses and Tasya’s. The ensuing chaos leads to a series of brutal and unsettling events. The film delves into the themes of identity, control, and the devastating consequences of technological intrusion on the human mind.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough): A corporate assassin struggling with detachment from her own identity as she uses brain-implant technology to inhabit others and carry out assassinations.
• Colin Tate (Christopher Abbott): Ava’s boyfriend who becomes possessed by Tasya, leading to a struggle for control of his body and mind.
• Girder (Jennifer Jason Leigh): Tasya’s handler who is critical of her personal attachments and pushes her to be a more effective killer.
• John Parse (Sean Bean): A wealthy CEO who becomes the target of an assassination plot involving his daughter’s boyfriend.
• Michael Vos (Rossif Sutherland): Tasya’s estranged husband, whose relationship with her is strained by her violent profession.
• Ira Vos (Gage Arbuthnot): Tasya’s son, whose safety and well-being are threatened by his mother’s dangerous work.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Colin Tate: “Just think, one day your wife is cleaning the cat litter and she gets a worm in her, and that worm ends up in her brain. The next thing that happens is she gets an idea in there, too. And it’s hard to say whether that idea is really hers or it’s just the worm. And it makes her do certain things. Predator things. Eventually, you realize that she isn’t the same person anymore. She’s not the person that she used to be. It’s gotta make you wonder, whether you’re really married to her… or married to the worm.” – Colin, possessed by Tasya, rambles about the nature of identity and control, foreshadowing his own loss of self.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: $752,885
• Worldwide Gross: $911,180

💥 Possessor Reviews

Personal Review

I walked into this movie expecting a typical sci-fi thriller, but ‘Possessor’ completely blew me away. The visuals are intense, and the story really got under my skin. Andrea Riseborough’s performance was haunting and Christopher Abbott’s transformation was incredible. The scene where Tasya struggles to remember her own son’s name gave me chills; it’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but a must-see for those who like mind-bending thrillers.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of sci-fi horror”
  • “Viewers who appreciate body horror and psychological thrillers”
  • “Those interested in films exploring themes of identity and control”
  • “Fans of David Cronenberg’s work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Explicit sexual content”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Child death”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Brandon Cronenberg crafts a chilling and stylish thriller that delves into the loss of identity through a violent, sci-fi lens. Andrea Riseborough delivers a captivating performance as a woman struggling to maintain her sense of self while inhabiting other people’s bodies. The film’s bold visuals and unsettling atmosphere make it a memorable, albeit disturbing, cinematic experience.
• Variety: “Possessor is a visually arresting and conceptually ambitious film that explores themes of identity, control, and the consequences of violence. Christopher Abbott shines as the possessed Colin Tate, adding layers of complexity to the character. The movie’s graphic content may not be for everyone, but its thought-provoking narrative and Cronenberg’s distinctive style make it a must-see for fans of sci-fi horror.

Audience Reactions

The special effects were extremely gory and effective, creating a truly disturbing atmosphere.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s bold and uncompromising vision, citing its unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and psychological themes.

Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott’s performances were phenomenal, carrying the weight of the film’s complex themes.: Many agree that Riseborough and Abbott deliver outstanding performances, elevating the film beyond its genre trappings.

Overall Consensus: A disturbing and thought-provoking sci-fi horror film with strong performances, intense visuals, and a unique exploration of identity and control, although its graphic content may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Most of the special effects in the film were done practically, with an effort to use as little VFX work as possible.”
• “The hallucination scenes’ effects, in particular, were done in-camera.”
• “Brandon Cronenberg credited his effects specialists, Dan Martin and Derek Liscoumb, and his longtime cinematographer Karim Hussain for being able to pull off convincing visuals with a minimum of CGI.”

🖥️ How to Watch Possessor?

As of October 2024, ‘Possessor’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability, as offerings may change. You can also check for physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Possessor, you might like these similar films:

• Videodrome (1983): Explores body horror, technology blurring reality, and psychological breakdown, mirroring Cronenberg’s father’s style.
• eXistenZ (1999): Features similar themes of virtual reality, body modification, and questioning the nature of reality versus simulation.
• Upgrade (2018): Presents a modern take on technology hijacking the human body, exploring themes of revenge and loss of control through violent means.

🛒 Possessor Related Products

• Possessor (Uncut) [Blu-ray]: Own the uncut version of Possessor on Blu-ray and experience every disturbing detail in high definition. This collector’s edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Cronenberg: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): Dive deep into the mind of David Cronenberg, Brandon’s father, with this collection of interviews. Gain insight into his filmmaking philosophy, influences, and the themes that run through his work. Understand the legacy that inspired ‘Possessor’.
• Possessor – Movie Poster: Get a high-quality print of the official movie poster of Possessor. The poster features the mind-bending artwork from the movie.
• Andrea Riseborough Signed Photo: Own a photograph of Andrea Riseborough signed by the actress herself. This limited-edition collectible is a must-have for fans of her performance as Tasya Vos.

🎧 Soundtrack

Possessor features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Possessor” – performed by Jim Williams
• “Detroit II” – performed by Shigeto

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why Is POSSESSOR So Messed Up?!

Ever wondered why ‘Possessor’ left you feeling so uneasy? Ryan Hollinger breaks down the film’s messed-up elements in this video. Honestly, it’s a must-watch if you want to really understand the movie’s impact.

Brandon Cronenberg – Possessor | 2020 Sundance Film Festival

Want to hear straight from the director, Brandon Cronenberg, about ‘Possessor’? This Q&A from Sundance gives you the inside scoop on his creative process. You get to peek behind the curtain!

Possessor (2020) Explained in 13 Minutes | Haunting Tube

Did ‘Possessor’ leave you a little confused? This video breaks down the entire movie in just 13 minutes! It’s the perfect way to quickly understand all the details.

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