Director of The Possession, Ole Bornedal, created a very dynamic, intense, and dramatic film. Unlike many horrors, The Possession was able to create real characters who developed over the course of the film. The plot was similar to many of the exorcist films, but the creative angles and good use of soundtrack transformed the cinematography of it.

Based on a true story, The Possession is a film about a demon that possess an innocent young girl, Em (Natasha Calis). She buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that it contains an evil spirit, that eventually consumes and controls her. Em and Hannah’s divorced parents (Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick), have to work together and contact several religious professionals to remove the spirit from their daughter.

In many horror’s (The Conjuring, Paranormal Activity, etc.) there is no progress. They move into a new house, or release some spirit somehow and they immediately are possessed and are out of control. In The Possession, Em, changes gradually. First, she begins to ‘feel funny’, then over the course of the film her emotions become heightened and eventually the demon possesses her fully. During this transition phase (from normal girl to demonic personal), Em continually snaps back and forth between herself and the ‘dybbuk’ (demon), thus creating an interesting contrast essentially between good and evil.

Natasha Calis did an amazing job portraying a demonic little girl, practically making everyone in the theater jump out of their seats. The most haunting part about the whole movie was the ‘based on a true story’ announcement that I could have lived the rest of my life without knowing.

What is refreshing about this movie, is how they were able to scare the audience with more than just loud, unnecessary booms; also known as, the indication that viewers should be scared now. This film actually makes one want to sleep with one eye open, believing there is a possibility that they could be possessed in the same way Em was.

Those who liked The Exorcist will also like this film, which was highly influenced by the 1973 horror. The film is rated PG-13, and contains minor provocative language and very minimal blood and gore. Movie critic Roger Ebert gave The Possession 4 stars, which is much higher than similar horrors. (One star for The Conjuring). Netflix lovers everywhere can enjoy this film, to give themselves a good scare.