Possessor
Performance & Direction: Possessor Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Possessor (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. 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 Possessor features a noteworthy lineup led by Andrea Riseborough . Supported by the likes of Christopher Abbott and Jennifer Jason Leigh , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Possessor
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, Possessor is a Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction film directed by Brandon Cronenberg. 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 Andrea Riseborough.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Tasya Vos, an elite corporate assassin, uses brain-implant technology to take control of other people’s bodies to terminate high profile targets. As she sinks deeper into her latest assignment, Vos becomes trapped inside a mind that threatens to obliterate her. Director Brandon Cronenberg 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. Andrea Riseborough'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: Possessor
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Brandon Cronenberg, Possessor 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 involving Andrea Riseborough, 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 Possessor reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Possessor?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Andrea Riseborough or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Possessor
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $911.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Possessor Budget
The estimated production budget for Possessor is $2.5M. 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: Possessor
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Possessor Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomePossessor Parents Guide & Age Rating
2020 AdvisoryWondering about Possessor age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Possessor is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Possessor is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Possessor worth watching?
Possessor is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Possessor parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Possessor identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Possessor?
The total duration of Possessor is 103 minutes, which is approximately 1h 43m long.
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Critic Reviews for Possessor
The Cronenberg name is tightly associated with the body horror genre, and rightfully so. 'Possessor' feels like a fever dream, delivering unsettling violence, thought-provoking creativity and remorseless direction. Its revelations about the monsters within, summed up in its shockingly grim climax, have a lasting resonance. - Jake Watt Read Jake's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-possessor-engrossingly-gross-cronenbergian-body-horror
I just wrote a review about how mainstream critics don't "get" horror, elevating attempts at filmmaking "art" over the basics that horror fans love. "Possessor" is an exception where critics (72 Metacritic Score) and users (7.6 Metacritic Score) agree that it's a pretty damn good flick. The acting is excellent. Andrea Riseborough from "Mandy" is creepy odd (again) as a mind-possessing assassin, and Christopher Abbott from "It Comes at Night" is a depressed AND possessed soul for the next assassination. There are too many adjectives to list to give the film justice, so here's just a few: disturbing, violent, bloody, mind-bending, visual, provocative, While Brandon Cronenberg may have a similar interest in melding technology and horror as his father David Cronenberg, he is introducing his own style and originality. Very much like like Joe Hill has done with father Stephen King. All of which is nothing but a bonus for horror fans.
If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com In a year where the horror genre didn't have that many great representatives, Brandon Cronenberg's remarkably captivating concept is an instant attention-grabber. Boasting two phenomenal performances from Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott (Colin Tate), Possessor is one of the most visually shocking films of 2020. From the extreme gore to the unrestrained depiction of insanely violent murders, Cronenberg fills his movie with creepy imagery that will definitely trigger many viewers to simply give up. Its slow pace helps establish the never-ending suspenseful atmosphere, which ultimately delivers some of the most intense sequences I've seen in a long time. Despite the interesting narrative and its eye-opening developments, Possessor fails to keep the momentum going throughout the entire runtime. The weird imagery helps with visual storytelling, but it reaches a point where it becomes too distracting and unnecessary. The third act is also quite predictable, contrasting with the somewhat surprising first half. In the end, it's still one of my favorite horror films of the year. Rating: B+
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.
