While the premise holds promise, Possessions, directed and written by Brent Cote, stumbles in execution. The film leans heavily on horror clichés, and in this case, it falls on the unfortunate.
The eerie atmosphere and stark lighting do create tension, but they don't help keep the plot from failing to deliver on its intended potential. The movie's pacing languishes, leaving viewers yearning for more momentous scares.
The cast, led by Clive Standen and Yeardley Smith, gives earnest performances, but the script doesn't provide them with enough depth. Mason Wells as Tyler, the son, manages to evoke sympathy, but the film's overall impact remains lackluster.
The concept of haunted storage units is intriguing, yet the film struggles to maintain sustained suspense. The jump scares are easy to predict, and the resolution lacks the punch needed for a memorable horror experience. The creepy kid trope, embodied by Mason Wells, adds a little uneasiness, but it's not enough to salvage the film.
This film falls between mediocrity and missed opportunities. While I find it to be another unmemorable addition to the horror genre, it fails to fully exploit the unique premise that it tries to embrace. There might be a few moments to appreciate for you die-hard horror fans, but for most viewers, I recommend watching this film if you have run out of other films (especially if you've caught up with your backlog of horror films) and don't want to waste thirty minutes trying to find something to watch.
In summary, Possessions (2024) is a dusty old storage unit full of disappointment to blow.
Watch this film if you're a little interested in a horror movie based around using storage units, but keep in mind that there won't be any jumping-out-of-your-seat spooks.