Possessor – 4K UHD Review

First, the blurb – “Visionary director Brandon Cronenberg’s ‘terrifying sci-fi horror freak-out’ (The Guardian) Possessor garnered international acclaim on its 2020 release from critics and audiences alike and now, masters in the field, Second Sight Films work their magic with a brand-new Limited Dual Edition 4K UHD/Blu -ray Box set due for release alongside Standard Edition releases on 4K UHD and Blu-ray, on 18 March 2024.

The must-own Limited Edition is presented in a stunning rigid slipcase, featuring new artwork by Marko Manev, along with a 120-page book featuring extensive behind-the-scenes gallery, script-to-screen comparisons and new essays. The UHD and Blu-ray discs both include the main feature and bonus features and the UHD is presented in Dolby Vision HDR approved by the director himself and cinematographer Karim Hussain. There’s special features galore, including a commentary, new interviews with Brandon Cronenberg, Karim Hussain and Rob Cotterill, plus an FX show and tell with Dan Martin and loads more, please see full list below.

On the surface Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough – Mandy, Nocturnal Animals, Birdman) appears to be a regular woman with a son and husband waiting for her at home when she returns from her ‘business’ trips. But there’s more to her than meets the eye… As an elite corporate assassin, Tasya takes control of other people’s bodies using brain implant technology to execute high-profile targets. With each hit comes a stronger lust for blood, and her newfound thirst for killing throws the whole operation into jeopardy.

Described as ‘One of the best and smartest films of the decade’ by New Scientist and with a spellbinding turn from Riseborough, alongside stand-out performances from co-stars Christopher Abbott, Sean Bean, Jennifer Jason Lee and Tuppence Middleton, prepare for an ultra-violent, mind-blowing experience, like nothing you’ve seen before.

You’re guaranteed to be possessed by Possessor – so make sure you get your hands on this ultimate release.”

Possessor is a sci-fi horror that will probe into your brain and find somewhere to nestle. You’ll have a strange feeling of unease while you watch. Are you watching? How can you be sure?

The character of Vos spends more and more time in other peoples bodies, both a technological and physical parasite. Things get more and more Lovecraftian as the film hurtles with dizzying effect to its violent, blood flecked denouement.

While still trying to work out if I liked it, or if I even ever really watched it, I rewatched it with the commentary on which helped me make sense of it a little more, and cemented the fact that I wanted to watch it again. I’m now worried someone’s put a probe in my brain.

The picture and sound quality are phenomenal, giving you a visceral journey through the film. The UHD really comes into play as the mind warping visuals deserve to be seen in the highest definition. The soundscape and score adds to the other worldly feeling of Possessor as an experience.

As always with Second Sight you get a whole host of superb extras, so lets take a look

Special Features

Dual format edition including both UHD and Blu-ray with main feature and bonus features on both discs
UHD presented in Dolby Vision HDR approved by director Brandon Cronenberg and cinematographer KarimHussain
New audio commentary with Brandon Cronenberg, producer Rob Cotterill, Karim Hussain and Special EffectsArtist Dan Martin – This starts off slow, with all of them sounding like they’ve just woken up, but as the conversation begins to flow they come alive. The insight into what cameras have been used, and having Dan Martin discuss the various shots and how certain effects were achieved is a nice look into the behind the scenes of movie making. Really interesting commentary, and you can almost have it on as background noise like a podcast, and just look up when they mention certain scenes.
This Unfamiliar Life: a new interview with Brandon Cronenberg – a 21 minute interview with Brandon Cronenberg. Interestingly shot with imagery projected onto him. Interesting interview in which he discusses how his short film Please Speak Continuously and Describe Your Experiences as They Come to You was a way to test some of the ideas for Possessor. This interview is nicely paced and keeps your interest throughout.
Inside the Machine: a new interview with Karim Hussain – 27 minute interview with Associate Producer/DOP Karim Hussain. Nice look into the development process of Possessor. Interesting hearing how they created some of the visuals.
Feel the Real: a new interview with Rob Cotterill 24 minute, sat on a couch, interview with supervising producer/ First AD Rob Cotterill. Although all of these interviews are similar, everyone brings their own things to the table.
Disassociating from Mind and Body: Zoë Rose Smith on Possessor – A 24 minute voice over clips piece. Zoe Rose Smith is a film/ horror aficionado you may know as @zobowithashotgun. I’d like to think my thoughts on movies are as erudite as hers, rather than “good this”. Alas…
Camera Test Footage – 6 minutes of Camera test footage, just incase your mind wasn’t melted enough! I actually found the sound in this clip to be quite jarring.
FX Show and Tell with Dan Martin – BTS on films is always interesting, if not fascinating. This look into FX makeup is both of these things.
Archive featurette: A Heightened World – A Look at Possessor – This 10 minute short look is like a standard TV spot. Short interviews with cast and crew done in that Press Junket/On set fashion.
Archive featurette: Identity Crisis – Bringing Possessor to Life – Another short like A heightened World, with a focus on character.
Archive featurette: The Joy of Practical – The Effects of Possessor – The third in the series of shorts. All three of these gave interesting insights into the world of film making.
Deleted Scenes – 8 minutes of deleted scenes. Would have been nice to have a commentary or note on the thought process behind cutting the scenes.
Short Film: Please Speak Continuously and Describe Your Experiences as They Come to You – Great addition to the disc. The 10 minute short that Possessor stemmed from.
Trailer

Limited Edition Contents

Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Marko Manev
120-page book featuring extensive behind the scenes gallery, script-to-screen comparisons, new essays by Stacey Abbott, Anton Bitel, Jon Towlson and Heather Wixson
Six collectors’ art cards

If you like sci-fi, cosmic or body horror you’ll probably have already seen Possessor, or it’s on your radar. This beautiful set by Second Sight Films is not one to sleep on. Go get it!