The Disturbing Horror Masterpiece: Possession (1981)
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, ranging from audience members running out of the cinema to breaking down in tears. It’s so disturbing that it was ultimately banned in the UK and heavily edited in the US, meaning very few people have seen the original version. Now, modern viewers have the chance to stream the film – if they dare.
The Plot of Possession
Starring Jurassic Park’s Neill and Isabelle Adjani as a troubled married couple, Possession follows the unravelling of their relationship after Neill’s character returns from a top-secret mission to find his wife seeking a divorce without explanation. A harrowing journey into each partner’s psyche follows, culminating in a shocking revelation of Adjani’s character’s true obsession.
The Cannes Film Festival Premiere
Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in 1981, Possession faced significant backlash due to its graphic content. But the film is considered a horror masterpiece by many – Adjani was awarded best actress at Cannes and the film was nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or award despite the controversy.
The Infamous Sequence
An infamous sequence in the film depicts Adjani walking down a tunnel and a BBC film critic at the time called it ‘the most bizarrely mesmerising sequence in modern cinema.’
The Controversy and Ban
Despite positive reviews, the film was branded a ‘video nasty’ in the UK and faced staunch opposition from the press and religious groups, resulting in a complete ban. Only heavily censored versions were permitted in the US, with significant portions of the film removed.
The Director’s Cut and Availability
After years of prohibition, the 118-minute director’s cut was finally approved by the British Board of Film Classification in 1999, and now it’s available for streaming on Amazon Prime. However, viewers are being warned about the film’s intense and disturbing content by those who have seen it, even as fans of the movie celebrate its availability.
Neill’s Reflections on Possession
Neill went into depth about the process of making the film in his memoir. Despite the problematic filming process, Neill is proud of the notorious film and regards it as a flawed masterpiece.
The Legacy of Possession
In light of its contentious history and the intense reactions it elicits from viewers, Possession remains a polarising and haunting piece of cinema that will soon reach a whole new generation.