10 Great Horror Movies You Definitely Missed In 2023

Gabriel Bier Gislason kicks off his directorial debut with a nerve-wracking horror romance, Attachment.

When former actress Maja falls for Jewish academic Leah, she feels like her life finally has purpose. After Leah becomes ill, Maja cares for her at her home, where she lives with her pious mother, Chana. Just when it feels like things couldn't get more tense, Maja begins to suspect her girlfriend is possessed by a Jewish demon called a dybbuk.

Even though Attachment takes its time setting everything up, it never feels slow since it's constantly developing the characters and the lore. Although a lot of time is spent exploring Jewish Orthodox traditions, the plot is never alienating. In fact, these discussions make the dybbuk scarier, since it helps the audience understand how this demonic force operates.

While the story revolves around a literal demon, it's Maja and Chana's stand-offs that generate the most tension. Due to Chana's malicious behaviour and dry humour, it's nearly impossible to tell when she's being threatening, playful, or both. Viewers are sure to feel guarded every time Chana appears, since her true intentions aren't clear until the film's end.

It may have all the familiar tropes of a possession movie, but Attachment is a fresh take on the genre.