The Possession
The Possession Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Possession
| Movie | The Possession |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| Director | Ole Bornedal |
| Genre | Horror / Thriller |
| Runtime | 92 minutes |
| Language | EN |
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 & Character Study
The performances in The Possession are led by Jeffrey Dean Morgan . The supporting cast, including Kyra Sedgwick and Natasha Calis , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Possession does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Possession has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Possession
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2012, The Possession is a Horror, Thriller film directed by Ole Bornedal. The narrative 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 involving Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
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. Director Ole Bornedal 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. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's 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
The Possession Ending Explained: Directed by Ole Bornedal, The Possession wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Possession reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Possession?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jeffrey Dean Morgan or the 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.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Possession is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2012 cinematic calendar.
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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How The Possession Compares & Where it Ranks
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.
