10 Hidden Meanings Behind Confusing Horror Movies
8. Possessor
If it weren’t obvious from his name, Brandon Cronenberg’s penchant for sci-fi body horror proves that he’s the literal and creative offspring of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg. Although both 2012’s Antiviral and 2023’s Infinity Pool would also fit on this list, it’s 2020’s Possessor that reigns as his most intricately disturbing statement.
As its title suggests, Possessor is about possessing people. Specifically, it follows a veteran assassin – Tasya – who takes over the minds of others to carry out her missions.
Unfortunately, she struggles to control her latest host - Colin - due to a variety of things (including her damaged psyche and detachment from her family). Meanwhile, Chris fights to prevent what Tasya is doing while maintaining the illusion that he’s acting normally. What transpires is as gripping as it is grotesque, with Colin and Tasya’s lives and consciousnesses becoming increasingly entwined.
Unsurprisingly, Possessor gets entangled in its purposely unclear plot and visual symbolism, with multiple memories, dissociations, and identities colliding as Cronenberg leans into Possessor’s shocking conclusion.
Yet, the aftermath lingers with provocative implications and inquiries regarding fate and humanity’s simultaneous need for and difficulty with complex and enduring human connection. It’s a chilling, unshakable and extremely valuable journey.