The Possession

Based on a , Lionsgate and Ghost House Pictures present , starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Watchman) and Kyra Sedgwick (“The Closer”), directed by Ole Bornedal and written by Juliet Snowden & Stiles White.

To keep the curse of the real-life Dibbuk Box at bay, Ole Bornedal decided to recreate a box that would hopefully protect cast and crew. Like the actual container that was auctioned on Ebay, the film's box needed to be ordinary enough not to arouse immediate suspicion, but mysterious enough that it could, in Bornedal's words, “symbolize the evil we all hope to keep trapped forever.”

To keep the curse of the real-life Dibbuk Box at bay, Ole Bornedal decided to recreate a box that would hopefully protect cast and crew. Like the actual container that was auctioned on Ebay, the film’s box needed to be ordinary enough not to arouse immediate suspicion, but mysterious enough that it could, in Bornedal’s words, “symbolize the evil we all hope to keep trapped forever.”

From horror master Sam Raimi and legendary Danish director Ole Bornedal (Nightwatch, The Substitute) comes a contemporary that is based on a terrifying true story of paranormal events — and the unleashing of an ancient evil into our 21st Century world. The film chronicles the experience of one family over 29 days, after they acquire a mysterious antique container, and unsuspectingly let escape an insatiable demonic force that has been lying in wait to take full possession of a human soul.

Throughout history, one of the darkest and most relentlessly persistent of human fears has been that of possession – the blood-curdling idea that your body and mind could be overtaken by a hungry, inhuman force with a sinister will of its own. All manner of demons and phantoms have been rumored to prey on our souls, but unique among them is the Dibbuk. A Dibbuk (which literally means “cleaving to” or “an attachment”) is said to be a sinful spirit wandering in limbo, which survives by fusing itself to a living person and inhabiting their very flesh. Dibbuks choose their human hosts carefully. Explains Jewish Theological Seminary professor Edna Nahshon, the typical human host is “usually a vulnerable person, which often means a young woman, even a girl, or someone who has a certain weakness.”

The film’s climactic exorcism scene was shot at a particularly haunting location: the abandoned Riverview Mental Institution, whose dilapidated buildings — once rife with paranoia, fear and grim treatments — still stand in Coquitiam, British Columbia. Built in 1913 and closed 70 years later, the buildings left behind are renowned for their instantly chilling atmosphere.

Riverview has its own history of odd occurrences,” notes location manager Terry Mackay. “There’s a feeling inside that is otherworldly, and because it’s been vacant for so long, you have the sense of spirits or some kind of presence always there. I think it heightened all of our senses to film in there.

Cast and crew were on edge on this set, with some even refusing to enter rooms that seemed to be especially cold or oddly forbidding. But for screenwriters Julia Snowden and Stiles White nothing could have been more thrilling than to see such an organically scary place become home to their high-tension scene. “There was a double eeriness to shooting in a location that people already say is haunted,” muses White. “There were multiple layers of horror and weirdness. Along with the screaming and flashing lights of the scene, I have to admit, after watching the day of shooting, I had trouble getting to sleep that night.”

MoreMovieDetails

All Posts

Share this article: The Possession

Facebook
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Email

MORE TOPICS

A Poignant Illustration of Humanism: A Review of “Les Misérables” (2012)

Even if the film’s historical and socio-political backdrop might feel distant, its exploration of love, mercy, sacrifice and redemption, and the stark reflection of social inequality are universal elements that resonate across eras, making “Les Misérables” a poignant display of humanism worth a watch.

Zhao maintained high academic standards, and in 1990, he was accepted by Beijing Sport University to study martial arts.

Vincent Zhao

Vincent Zhao Wenzhuo (born Zhao Zhuo on April 10, 1972), sometimes credited as Chiu Man-cheuk, is a Chinese actor and martial artist. Zhao is best known playing the role of Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung in the Once Upon a Time in China film and television series.

RIO 2

Carlos Saldanha returns to Brazil and reunites his beloved characters in RIO 2. In the new film, it’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids, after they’re hurtled from Rio to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful and villainous Nigel

Warrior Filming took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Warrior

Warrior is an action drama film about mixed martial arts set to be released on September 9, 2011 by Lionsgate. It will star Nick Nolte, Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Justin Berg, Jennifer Morrison and Pro Wrestler Kurt Angle.

Woodlawn

Tony Nathan, portrayed by newcomer Caleb Castille is a gifted high school football player that must learn to boldly embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field in Woodlawn

Behind the Scenes: The Making of “The Ballad of Wallis Island” (2025)

Focus Features’ heartwarming comedy “The Ballad of Wallis Island” is set to charm audiences when it releases in theaters on March 28, 2025. This delightful film tells the story of eccentric lottery winner Charles (Tim Key), who dreams of reuniting his favorite folk-rock duo, McGwyer Mortimer.