Possession

I have watched both versions of the film, and after eagerly anticipating it for more than a year, I can say that the alternate version is what I had expected/hoped for and completely changes the entire film. This film is by no means perfect, and certainly isn't the best written piece of cinema out there, but the story had me wrapped up and interested. The alternate ending made me love it.

If you go into this film under the misapprehension of the marketing - which is, that this film is another "Grudge" or whatever the company tried to push - then you may be disappointed; it is less supernatural and altogether more human.

This is middle-tier SMG film, but I must say, it has really grown on me over the years. It's gorgeously shot, the story is pretty twisted which keeps you guessing, and Sarah has total command over the emotion of the film. She's pretty fantastic; she's always been one of the best criers in Hollywood, and here she manages a certain emotional state consistently as Jess collects these experiences and weighs the possibilities. Lee Pace is rather good, too.

The directors have a strong sense and a compelling approach to the material that is not stylish and clicks with the audience. The script is the most flawed aspect but serves the basis for a solid thriller. It's quite impressive that they filmed an entire alternative third act. I do prefer the alternative ending to the more Hollywood-ized final version. However, the producers made the right call. American audiences wouldn't have gone along with Jess's final motivations and conclusion in the alternative ending. I find the psychology so interesting.

I wish it would have had a proper wide theatrical release. It would've made $bank$ had it been released early February or mid-April.

This film is about a woman whose husband and her brother in law were injured in a serious car crash. After her brother in law regains consciousness, he believes that he is his brother.

"Possession" has an interesting plot which keeps you interested and guessing throughout. The mystery is preserved to the very end. Though the acting is not outstanding, the plot makes up for it. The ending is a little weird, as there are scenes which seems to contradict the ending that is suggested.

If the ending is clearer and more focused, then "Possession" would have been even better.

After its end, you understand than your expectations are the basic cause for not be just gained by this film, in essence a correct one.

So, as consolation remains the acting more than the story itself and source of frustrations is the so many opportunities to make this film just a good one. But , sure, the decision of director, giving, as compensation , a not inspired but sweet moment is the important one.

American remakes of South Asian films have often produced disastrous results. 'Possession' faces a similar fate. It's not as bad as most remakes of South Asian movies but as a stand alone it's not very good either. The execution is passable. There are some eye-candy photographic visuals but the background score is annoying. The forced 'jump' moments are unnecessary and out of place.

The movie hardly works as a thriller but to an extent it does work as a human drama. Jess's hope of her husband's recovery conflicted with her confusion in seeing her brother-in-law act familiar is well displayed. Sarah Michelle Gellar is brilliantly restrained. How I hope she would move out of the horror thriller genre and attempt different kinds of roles. Lee Pace's performance suffers due to poor characterization.

'Possession' is easily forgettable. Other than Michelle Gellar's performance, there isn't much to look forward to.