Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough) is an assassin who uses brain implant technology to become the perfect killer. Possessing other people close to her target she can commit the perfect crime that brings zero suspicion on her or the organisation she works for. 

Possessor is a film that absolutely proves the phrase “the apple never falls far from the tree”. Written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, son of David Cronenberg, Possessor is completely at home with disturbing imagery, body horror, violence and sex. If you are averse to strong images of violence I can safely say this film is not for you. Although I will add that I rented the uncut version of the film. The “cut” version does not seem to be available in the UK regardless.

The film opens with Vos already on a job. Embedded in the body of Holly (Gabrielle Graham) we see her push a needle into her skull to undertake “calibration” before eschewing the gun she was provided with to stab her target to death to create a river of blood. When she is “pulled out” of Holly’s body Vos must undertake a test to ensure her mind has successfully returned. Conducted by her handler Girder (Jennifer Jason Leigh) we are given two vitally important pieces of information. Firstly we are shown objects that belong to Vos including a mounted butterfly she killed as a child. Secondly we hear that she has forgotten she is separated from her husband who is raising their child. 

When Vos takes her next job as Colin Tate (Christopher Abbott) things start to become difficult. Vos and Tate’s realities start to bleed together and Vos can not assume the control she needs to exit Tate’s consciousness. As the tag line of the film suggests, “no body is safe”. 

Possessor is ultimately about self discovery. In this case it is about Vos understanding her true nature. It features excellent performances, impressively disturbing imagery and assured direction. 

Christopher Abbott is the stand out of the film. The intelligence he brings to his performance both when Vos is in full control of Tate and when that control becomes blurred is exceptional. Riseborough is also excellent as Vos. She seems perpetually drained and skeletal, as though she has slowly left her personality behind. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tuppence Middleton also put in solid supporting performances as well. 

If you have enjoyed Cronenberg Senior’s films or enjoy horror then this is for you.