Reviews: The Possession Experiment (2016) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Subgenres: Demons, Exorcisms, Religion
HellHorror’s review of The Possession Experiment (2016) breaks down the plot, scares, cast performances, and its lasting impact on the horror genre.
The Possession Experiment (2016) – A Paranormal Dive into Dark Curiosity
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The Possession Experiment (2016) plunges viewers into the shadowy world of demonic rituals and forbidden knowledge. At the center is Brandon, a college student with a growing obsession for the occult. Rather than just study exorcisms, Brandon takes a drastic leap—volunteering to document a real possession for his thesis. What begins as a curious investigation quickly spirals into a horrifying descent that blurs the line between researcher and victim.
Thematically, the film deals with the dangers of playing with forces beyond comprehension, the thirst for fame through sensationalism, and the lasting imprint of evil. Brandon’s arc is a cautionary tale, moving from confident skeptic to terrified believer. While the characters sometimes feel underdeveloped, the central theme of curiosity becoming a curse resonates through the narrative.
Acting, Cinematography, and Direction
The performances in The Possession Experiment range from serviceable to uneven. Chris Minor, who plays Brandon, handles the progression from curious student to terrified subject with energy, though the script doesn’t always give him enough emotional depth. The supporting cast adds to the chaos, especially during the possession sequences, but occasionally veers into overdramatization.
Visually, the film makes effective use of low lighting and color filters to create a brooding atmosphere. Shadows loom, and camera angles during the exorcism scenes are purposefully jarring—adding tension to the already unsettling scenario. Some practical effects work well, especially the distorted body movements and facial transformations during the possessed scenes. However, the direction struggles to maintain tone consistency, occasionally bouncing between serious and campy.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Director Scott Hansen delivers a film that’s ambitious in concept but inconsistent in execution. The blending of found footage, livestreaming elements, and traditional cinematography gives the movie a modern twist that mirrors real-world internet obsession and viral content culture. This blend offers a unique lens through which to view supernatural horror, setting it apart from standard possession fare.
However, the film’s biggest strength—its experimental approach—is also its greatest weakness. By attempting to juggle multiple horror subgenres, it loses some of its tension. Pacing suffers in key moments, and plot logic occasionally falters. Still, the core idea of live-streaming a possession feels timely and engaging for modern horror fans.
Final Verdict & Score: 4/10
The Possession Experiment offers a creative twist on possession tropes but is held back by uneven tone, weak character development, and low-budget execution. Despite these flaws, the central idea is compelling enough to attract fans of supernatural horror looking for something different. Its exploration of digital-age obsession with dark content gives it some thematic weight, even if the overall delivery falls short.
Who Will Enjoy It
Fans of found footage or hybrid horror formats
Viewers who enjoy possession-themed horror
Audiences interested in social commentary on digital fame
Who Might Be Disappointed
Viewers expecting high production quality
Horror fans looking for deep character arcs or sophisticated scares
Anyone tired of exorcism clichés
Most Searched FAQs About The Possession Experiment (2016)
1. Is The Possession Experiment based on a true story?
No, The Possession Experiment is a fictional horror film. While it borrows ideas from real-world exorcism lore and religious practices, the characters and plot are entirely made up for entertainment purposes.
2. What demon is featured in The Possession Experiment?
The film does not explicitly name the demonic entity involved, but it is portrayed as a powerful malevolent force capable of body control, mind manipulation, and spiritual corruption. The ambiguity adds to the unsettling nature of the possession.
3. Why does Brandon volunteer to be possessed?
Brandon is a college student with a deep fascination for the supernatural. His decision to undergo a possession for a school thesis is driven by both academic ambition and a desire to experience something extraordinary firsthand. However, his curiosity leads to terrifying consequences.
4. Was the possession in The Possession Experiment real or staged?
The possession is portrayed as very real within the movie. What begins as a seemingly controlled experiment quickly devolves into uncontrollable chaos, suggesting that Brandon’s body becomes a true host for the demonic presence.
5. What role did the priest play in the possession ritual?
The priest initially appears to be a figure of guidance, but as the film progresses, it becomes clear that his intentions are not as pure as they seem. He is revealed to be part of a secret group that orchestrated the entire experiment to awaken the demonic force.
6. What is the significance of the livestream in the movie?
Brandon’s decision to broadcast the possession experiment live is a key plot element. It shows the dangerous intersection between digital fame and real-world consequences. The livestream allows the entity to potentially spread its influence beyond the room—hinting that evil can go viral.
7. What happens to Brandon by the end of the film?
Brandon becomes fully possessed and loses control of his actions. The experiment spirals out of control, and he is last seen consumed by the demonic presence. The ending leaves his ultimate fate ambiguous, but heavily implies that he is no longer himself.
8. What is the connection between the house and the demon?
The house where the possession takes place has a dark history of previous rituals and failed exorcisms. It serves as a conduit or hotspot for supernatural activity, making it the perfect location for summoning something from beyond.
9. What message does The Possession Experiment convey?
The film warns about the dangers of tampering with unknown forces, especially for fame or curiosity. It also explores how easily modern technology can be a vessel for spreading darkness when ethical lines are crossed.
10. Is there a post-credits scene in The Possession Experiment?
There is no traditional post-credits scene. However, the final moments of the film leave a lasting impression and an open-ended suggestion that the demon’s influence may not be fully contained.
The Possession Experiment (2016) – Ending Explained
In the film’s climax, Brandon’s decision to be the subject of a possession for his thesis becomes a trap laid by a secretive cult-like group, including a priest and his associate. Their true intent was to use Brandon as a vessel to summon and anchor the demonic entity into the world.
As the ritual proceeds, the possession intensifies beyond anyone’s control. Brandon’s transformation becomes violent and disturbing, revealing that the demon has fully overtaken his body. The livestream, watched by thousands, symbolically spreads the entity’s influence, suggesting that evil is no longer confined to one place—it now has a digital reach.
The final scenes show Brandon completely overtaken, with no hope of reversal. The cult’s goal is fulfilled, and the camera lingers on the aftermath, hinting that the experiment succeeded far beyond what even they intended. Evil has been set free, and its reach is now global.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Possession Experiment Rating Scores
- Our Score: 4/10
- Overall Score: 3.09/10
- IMDB: 3.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 1.7/10
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