Watch it or not: Possessor: Uncut
Writer and director Brandon Cronenberg’s Possessor, just like its main character, an agent who inhabits other people’s bodies, takes many shapes throughout its runtime. The film is at once a heady sci-fi dealing with how much free will one has in a world dominated by technology and capital. However, it is also a psychedelic trip into one’s dissolving psyche. Most of all, just like his legendary father did many times before, Brandon Cronenberg has created a ruthless and provocative horror film manipulating the human body to disturbing effect. This sci-fi explores our sense of self and identity; an early atmosphere of dispassion and dread explodes into scenes of shredding blood-and-guts violence.
Andrea Riseborough stars as Tasya Vos, a contract killer who carries out hits on behalf of her clients. However, she is no Leon. Tasya’s consciousness is implanted into another person’s body in order to carry out these hits. The concept is portrayed in brutal and concise fashion in the unforgettable opening sequence. With a small but memorable opening role, Gabrielle Graham almost steals the show as Tasya’s first host. Tasya’s work leaves her almost as a shell, portrayed in a scene in which she must rehearse how to greet her husband and son. However, she has no time to contemplate as her firm has received it’s biggest job to date as explained by her cold boss (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Tasya must take over the body of Colin Tate (Christopher Abbot) and assassinate his future father -in-law (Sean Bean).
Riseborough and Abbot are excellent leads with Abbot being of particular note having to portray both Tate and Vos’ impersonation of Tate. The scenes in which Tasya gets accustomed to her new host body point to a sense of voyeurism in Tasya’s work. Riseborough has described the similarities in Tasya’s job of portraying someone accurately and that of an actor portraying a character. It is easy to get lost in the role, with more damaging consequences for Tasya.
The film poses existential questions of identity and free will. As Colin fights back for control of his mind and body, the question of who really is in control lingers throughout the film. This battle for the mind explored in delirious, colorful sequences some of which have the two characters welding together and fragmenting apart. However, the genre thrills are still in ample amount. Scalps are punctured. Skin is ripped to shreds. Teeth and eyes are pulled apart. In today’s cinematic landscape, it is hard to push the button. However, in the film’s uncut version, Cronenberg has an uncanny ability to consistently provoke his audience.
Possessor is much more than just provocation and is undoubtedly one of the most absorbing film experiences you will have this year. Cronenberg works a mind-bending trip into the psyche, an espionage thriller, and brutal horror. As one of the most provocative and forward-thinking genre films in recent years, Possessor is highly recommended and definitely worth a watch.
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