Performance & Direction: The Possession Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Possession (2012) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Possession features a noteworthy lineup led by Jeffrey Dean Morgan . Supported by the likes of Kyra Sedgwick and Natasha Calis , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Possession (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Possession
Quick Plot Summary: The Possession is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl's father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: The Possession
Ending Breakdown: The Possession concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Possession reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Possession?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: The Possession
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $14.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $85.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Possession Budget
The estimated production budget for The Possession is $14.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Possession
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Possession Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Possession Parents Guide & Age Rating
2012 AdvisoryWondering about The Possession age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Possession is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, The Possession stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Possession worth watching?
The Possession is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Possession parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Possession identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Possession?
The total duration of The Possession is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Possession
Does it's thing pretty fine, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is perfectly capable, but God I am so over this exact formula cropping up in the genre over and over and over. _The Possession_ doesn't have a single thing that makes it noteworthy. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
