About the Film
A disturbing horror film starring Sam Neill that caused shockwaves of panic in the 80s is now available to stream on Amazon Prime. Released in 1981, Possession, directed by Andrzej Żuławski, quickly gained notoriety for horrifying viewers to the point of extreme reactions.
Plot Summary
Possession follows the unravelling of a troubled married couple’s relationship after the husband returns from a top-secret mission to find his wife seeking a divorce without explanation. The film delves into each partner’s psyche, leading to a shocking revelation of the wife’s true obsession.
Festival Reception
Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in 1981, Possession faced significant backlash due to its graphic content. Despite the controversy, the film was considered a horror masterpiece, with Isabelle Adjani winning the best actress award at Cannes.
Controversy and Ban
Despite positive reviews, Possession was labeled a ‘video nasty’ in the UK and faced opposition from the press and religious groups, resulting in a complete ban. Only heavily censored versions were allowed in the US, sparking interest among diehard horror fans.
Director’s Cut Release
After years of prohibition, the 118-minute director’s cut of Possession was approved by the British Board of Film Classification in 1999. The film is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, though viewers are cautioned about its intense and disturbing content.
Actor’s Perspective
Sam Neill shared insights into the making of Possession in his memoir, highlighting director Andrzej Żuławski’s intense filmmaking style. Despite the challenging filming process, Neill considers the film a flawed masterpiece and acknowledges its polarizing nature.
Impact and Legacy
Possession’s contentious history and the intense reactions it elicits from viewers have cemented its status as a haunting piece of cinema. The film continues to captivate audiences and is set to reach a whole new generation of viewers.
Viewer Reactions
- “Possession (1981) is sickening. I LOVE IT” – @krisisonline42
- “Possession (1981) is now available to watch free if you have Amazon Prime. If you haven’t seen it you absolutely should, but you will never be the same again” – @hellothisisivan