Reviews: The Possession (2012) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Demons
Subgenres: Featured Supernatural, Possession, Supernatural, Cursed, Exorcisms, Religion, Suburbs
Our take on The Possession (2012) explores its plot, scares, and horror highlights to help fans decide if it deserves a place on their watchlist.
The Possession (2012) Review — A Supernatural Horror Rooted in Family and Folklore
The Possession (2012) is a supernatural horror film that draws its scares from Jewish folklore and the disturbing legend of a cursed box known as a dybbuk box. Blending family drama with eerie supernatural elements, the movie offers a fresh cultural twist on the possession subgenre while delivering chilling moments that stick with audiences.
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The story follows Clyde and Stephanie, recently divorced parents navigating life with their two daughters. When their youngest, Em, buys a mysterious antique box at a yard sale, the family’s fragile balance unravels. Soon after, Em’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic—she whispers to herself, lashes out violently, and seems consumed by something beyond her control.
The box is revealed to be a prison for a malevolent entity. As the presence inside grows stronger, Clyde must confront forces he doesn’t understand while fighting to save his daughter from a fate worse than death.
Themes of broken families, guilt, and redemption underpin the supernatural framework. Clyde’s determination to reconnect with his daughter contrasts with Stephanie’s skepticism, making the possession a metaphor for fractured relationships as well as literal horror.
Acting, Cinematography, and Style
Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a heartfelt performance as Clyde, portraying both desperation and vulnerability. Kyra Sedgwick as Stephanie embodies a mother torn between disbelief and fear, while Natasha Calis stands out as Em, convincingly portraying the chilling transformation of a child under supernatural control.
The cinematography leans into shadows, muted tones, and tight framing, amplifying the sense of confinement and dread. Close-ups on Em’s expressions highlight her unsettling possession, while flickering lights and distorted sounds create a disorienting mood. The practical effects, particularly in sequences where Em’s body twists unnaturally or her eyes glaze with menace, give the film its most memorable scares.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Director Ole Bornedal crafts the film with a deliberate pace, mixing moments of quiet family tension with bursts of supernatural terror.
Strengths include:
The incorporation of Jewish folklore, which sets it apart from typical possession stories.
Strong performances, especially from Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Natasha Calis.
Effective use of atmosphere and practical effects for unnerving scares.
Weaknesses include:
Some reliance on familiar possession tropes that feel predictable.
A tendency to rush the climax, leaving some threads underdeveloped.
Limited exploration of the box’s deeper lore beyond surface-level exposition.
Despite its flaws, the film succeeds as a solid entry in modern supernatural horror, offering originality through cultural roots and emotional weight.
Key Highlights for Horror Fans
A unique focus on the dybbuk box legend.
A chilling child possession performance that drives the film’s scares.
Family drama interwoven with supernatural horror.
Memorable visual sequences, including mirror distortions and body-twisting effects.
A climactic exorcism that combines folklore and modern horror.
Who Will Enjoy It
Fans of supernatural horror with cultural twists.
Viewers who enjoy family-centered horror with emotional stakes.
Audiences looking for eerie, atmospheric scares over gore.
Who Might Be Disappointed
Those seeking groundbreaking originality in the possession subgenre.
Viewers expecting nonstop scares rather than a slow build.
Audiences looking for deeper exploration of folklore beyond its surface.
Final Verdict & Score (1–10)
The Possession (2012) offers a chilling, atmospheric take on the possession subgenre, elevated by strong performances and unique folklore. While it occasionally relies on familiar tropes, its blend of family drama and supernatural terror makes it an engaging watch for horror fans.
Score: 6/10
The Possession (2012) — Most-Searched FAQs
What is The Possession (2012) about?
The film follows a young girl named Em who buys an antique box at a yard sale. The box turns out to be a dybbuk box, tied to Jewish folklore, containing a malevolent entity that begins to take control of her life and body.What is a dybbuk box in The Possession?
The dybbuk box is a cursed container said to trap a restless spirit. In the film, opening the box allows the entity inside to influence and ultimately possess Em.Who stars in The Possession?
Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays Clyde, the father fighting to save his daughter, while Kyra Sedgwick portrays the concerned but skeptical mother, Stephanie. Natasha Calis delivers a chilling performance as Em, the girl targeted by the spirit.What happens to Em in the movie?
Em becomes increasingly controlled by the spirit inside the dybbuk box. She lashes out at her family and exhibits disturbing, unnatural behavior as the possession deepens.Is The Possession based on a true story?
The film is inspired by accounts of a real dybbuk box legend that has circulated among collectors and folklore enthusiasts.What themes are explored in The Possession?
Beyond supernatural horror, the film explores themes of broken families, guilt, and redemption. The parents’ fractured relationship mirrors the spirit’s attempt to tear their family apart.Is The Possession very graphic or violent?
No. The film relies more on atmosphere, supernatural scares, and unsettling imagery rather than heavy gore.Does The Possession focus on religion?
The film incorporates Jewish traditions and rituals, especially during the exorcism sequence, which differentiates it from other possession-themed horror films.Is there a sequel to The Possession?
No official sequel was produced. The story remains self-contained, ending with closure for the family but leaving a lingering sense of unease.
The Possession (2012) — Ending Explained (Minor Spoilers)
In the climax, Clyde seeks help from Tzadok, a Jewish exorcist, to save his daughter from the spirit inside the dybbuk box. The ritual takes place in a hospital, where the entity fully manifests its power, making Em’s behavior more violent and uncontrollable.
During the exorcism, the spirit is drawn back into the box, freeing Em from its control. However, in a shocking turn, the entity momentarily possesses Clyde, forcing him to wrestle with its influence directly. Clyde’s selflessness and his bond with Em give him the strength to resist, allowing the ritual to succeed.
The final scene shows the dybbuk box being transported away, but the ending carries a chilling undertone. While Em is safe, the cursed box still exists, suggesting that the evil inside may not be gone forever.
The ending reinforces the film’s themes of parental sacrifice, redemption, and the idea that evil can never be fully destroyed—only contained. It leaves audiences with a mix of relief and unease, perfectly aligned with the folklore roots of the story.
Similar films like The Possession can be found in demon movies sub-genre(s), check them out for more movies like The Possession.
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 Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 5.20/10
- IMDB: 5.9/10
- MetaCritic: 4.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 3.9/10
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