It’s a polished, creepy take on the exorcism genre that trades Catholic priests for Jewish mysticism. 2. The Cult Masterpiece: Possession (1981)
Isabelle Adjani’s performance—particularly the infamous subway scene—is legendary. It’s a raw, disturbing look at the "possession" we try to exert over our partners. The Possession
Whether you’re a fan of supernatural scares, psychological thrillers, or deep-dive historical mysteries, the title The Possession has likely crossed your path. But depending on who you ask, you might get a story about an ancient Jewish demon, a crumbling marriage in Berlin, or a secret Victorian love affair. It’s a polished, creepy take on the exorcism
Two modern-day scholars discover a hidden cache of letters suggesting that two famous (fictional) Victorian poets had a secret, forbidden romance. As the academics race across England to uncover the truth, they find themselves falling into a parallel romance of their own. It’s a raw, disturbing look at the "possession"
Set in West Berlin during the Cold War, a spy (Sam Neill) returns home to find his wife (Isabelle Adjani) demanding a divorce. What begins as a domestic drama spirals into a nightmare of infidelity, doppelgängers, and a literal monster in a bedroom.
It’s a brilliant meta-fiction that includes "original" Victorian poems and letters. It explores the idea of being "possessed" by history and by the people we study. Quick Comparison Table Media Type Main Theme The Possession (2012) Supernatural Horror Exorcism & Jewish Folklore Possession (1981) Psychological Horror Divorce & Madness Possession (Byatt) Literary Fiction Academic Mystery & History
If you prefer your drama in the form of a "book-lover's detective story," this Booker Prize-winning novel is a must-read.