The Possessed

  • 1988
  • Not Rated
  • 116m
movieMx RATING
5.3/1024
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Possessed Review

Last updated: February 22, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 22, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Possessed (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Possessed features a noteworthy lineup led by Jerzy Radziwiłowicz . Supported by the likes of Isabelle Huppert and Omar Sharif , 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 Possessed (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Possessed stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Possessed

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, The Possessed is a Drama, History, Thriller film directed by Andrzej Wajda. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jerzy Radziwiłowicz.

Ending Explained: The Possessed

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Andrzej Wajda, The Possessed attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Jerzy Radziwiłowicz, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Possessed reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

The Possessed Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

The Possessed draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history, thriller film directed by Andrzej Wajda, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Jerzy Radziwiłowicz's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.

Accuracy Assessment: The Possessed adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch The Possessed?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: The Possessed

All Cast & Crew →
Isabelle Huppert
Isabelle HuppertMaria Shatov
Omar Sharif
Omar SharifStepan Trofimovich Verkhovensky
Lambert Wilson
Lambert WilsonNikolai Vsevolodovich Stavrogin
Jutta Lampe
Jutta LampeMaria Lebjadkin
Jean-Philippe Écoffey
Jean-Philippe ÉcoffeyPeter Verchovenskij
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Where to Watch The Possessed Online?

Streaming Hub

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The Possessed Parents Guide & Age Rating

1988 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Possessed age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Possessed has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, History, Thriller), it contains mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Possessed is 116 minutes (1h 56m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Possessed is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Possessed. Rating: 5.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Possessed worth watching?

The Possessed is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Possessed parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Possessed identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Possessed?

The total duration of The Possessed is 116 minutes, which is approximately 1h 56m long.

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Critic Reviews for The Possessed

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.3
The Possessed
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-possessed-169247" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Possessed</div></div></a>

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