Possum Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A creepy dude carries around a spider-puppet in a bag, walks around looking sad, and then something vaguely sinister happens involving his uncle; basically, arthouse nightmare fuel.

🍿 Possum: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Philip and His Trauma

Philip, a disgraced puppeteer, returns to his dilapidated childhood home in rural England. He carries a mysterious brown bag containing a disturbing puppet-like creature named ‘Possum,’ which has a human head and spider-like legs. Philip’s demeanor is withdrawn and disturbed, hinting at a deep-seated trauma.

Philip’s Troubled Relationship with Maurice

Philip lives with his stepfather, Maurice, a leering and unsettling figure who embodies a sense of menace. Their interactions are tense and strained, filled with passive-aggressive remarks and unspoken animosity. Maurice seems to revel in Philip’s discomfort, hinting at a history of abuse.

The Cycle of Destruction and Return

Philip repeatedly attempts to dispose of Possum, trying to burn it or bury it in the desolate landscape. However, the puppet always reappears, seemingly indestructible and haunting Philip. This cycle symbolizes Philip’s inability to escape his past and the recurring nature of his trauma.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Philip (Sean Harris): A disgraced puppeteer returning to his childhood home, forced to confront his trauma and abusive stepfather.
• Maurice (Alun Armstrong): Philip’s wicked stepfather (or uncle) who embodies the source of Philip’s lifelong torment.
• Possum (N/A): The spider-like puppet representing Philip’s trauma and the manifestation of his inner demons.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Philip: “Can you spy him deep within? Little Possum, black as sin. Bag is open, growing wider. What’s inside it, man or spider? Little boy, don’t lose your way. Possum wants to come and play.” – This poem, recited by Philip, encapsulates the film’s central themes of childhood trauma and the monstrous manifestation of repressed memories.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: $33,225

💥 Possum Reviews

Personal Review

Possum really got under my skin. The atmosphere is oppressive, and Sean Harris’ performance is just phenomenal – you can feel his character’s pain and torment. The spider-puppet is genuinely disturbing, and the slow, deliberate pacing just adds to the sense of unease. It’s not a fun watch, but it’s a powerful and unforgettable one. I felt a sense of dread throughout the entire movie, and it lingered long after it was over. I was fascinated by the psychological layers of the film, and found the ending incredibly disturbing. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re into psychological horror, it’s a must-see.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in films exploring trauma”
  • “Those who appreciate atmospheric and unsettling cinema”
  • “Admirers of Sean Harris’s acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Child abuse”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Psychological distress”
  • “Implied sexual abuse”

Professional Reviews

• Bloody Disgusting: “Possum is not a horror film for everyone, but it’s a deeply unsettling and atmospheric experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Its stark visuals and haunting soundscape create a truly unique and disturbing atmosphere.
• The Guardian: “A slow-burn psychological thriller with a truly unsettling atmosphere, Possum is a challenging but rewarding watch for those seeking something different from mainstream horror. Sean Harris delivers a masterful performance as the tormented protagonist.
• Sight & Sound: “Matthew Holness’s debut feature is a disturbing and visually striking exploration of trauma and abuse, with echoes of Lynch and Cronenberg. While its slow pace may not appeal to all, Possum is a genuinely unsettling and thought-provoking work.

Audience Reactions

The eerie atmosphere and unsettling imagery made it a truly disturbing horror experience.: Viewers praised the film’s psychological depth and Sean Harris’s captivating performance.

The spider puppet is nightmare fuel, a truly effective and disturbing creation.: The film’s slow burn and lack of jump scares were appreciated by those seeking a more cerebral horror experience.

Overall Consensus: Possum is a dark, disturbing, psychological horror film with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and character. It may not appeal to those seeking jump scares or a fast-paced plot, but it’s a rewarding experience for fans of arthouse horror.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Matthew Holness, known for his comedy ‘Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace’, deliberately crafted a bleak and disturbing atmosphere far removed from his previous work.”
• “The Radiophonic Workshop, famed for their work on ‘Doctor Who’, created the film’s unsettling score, adding to the overall sense of dread.”
• “Sean Harris’s portrayal of Philip involved maintaining a near-constant frown throughout the film, enhancing the character’s tortured state.”

🖥️ How to Watch Possum?

As of October 2024, ‘Possum’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as options may change over time. Some platforms may offer a free trial period. Consider checking local library systems for DVD availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Spider (2002): Both films explore the fragmented psyche of a man haunted by childhood trauma, with similar themes of mental breakdown and unreliable narration.
• The Babadook (2014): Both movies deal with dark psychological themes and a monster is a metaphor for dealing with trauma and grief.

🛒 Possum Related Products

• Possum [Blu-ray]: Own a physical copy of this unique and unsettling film, perfect for collectors of arthouse horror. Blu-ray version has enhanced image and sound quality, enhancing the viewing experience.
• Possum: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Vinyl]: Experience the haunting and atmospheric score by the Radiophonic Workshop on vinyl. A must-have for fans of the film and lovers of experimental music. The retro format adds to the film’s dark nostalgia.
• Creepy Spider Puppet – Possum Inspired: A handmade replica of the iconic Possum puppet, perfect for collectors and fans of the film. Made with high-quality materials, capturing the puppet’s disturbing design.
• Possum Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the film’s iconic and unsettling poster, perfect for decorating any horror fan’s room. The poster’s eerie imagery will add a touch of darkness to any space.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Possum” – performed by Radiophonic Workshop
• “Theme from Possum” – performed by Radiophonic Workshop

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Unseen Terror of POSSUM

Ever felt deeply disturbed by a movie and couldn’t quite place why? Ryan Hollinger breaks down ‘Possum’ and unveils the unsettling genius behind its terror. Trust me, you’ll see the movie in a whole new light after this!

Possum is NIGHTMARE FUEL

Thinking about watching ‘Possum’ but not sure what you’re getting into? Unleash The Ghouls dives deep into why this film is absolute nightmare fuel! Connor’s take is super interesting and definitely prepared me for what I was about to watch.

POSSUM (2018) | DISTURBING BREAKDOWN

Want a scene-by-scene breakdown of ‘Possum’ to understand its disturbing imagery? SpookyRice dissects the film’s most unsettling moments. You may need a comfort blanket after watching, but it’s definitely insightful.

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