Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession endures as a cult classic, widely celebrated by cinephiles as one of the greatest horror films ever made—its legion of admirers on Letterboxd, many of whom award it a full five stars, is testament to its staying power. With Second Sight Films set to release a 4K Ultra HD edition this month, anticipation has been high among fans eager to see how the film’s unsettling beauty translates to a restored format. Having had the chance to preview this edition early, I can confidently say it is stunning.
The restoration elevates the visual quality while preserving the textured, grainy aesthetic that defines the original. The release is also packed with special features, including multiple commentaries, horror auteur Guillermo del Toro on the film, an interview with composer Andrzej Korzynski, deleted scenes, and much more. For long-time admirers of the film, this edition is an essential addition to the collection.
Possession follows the violent collapse of a marriage against the bleak backdrop of Cold War Berlin. When Mark (Sam Neill) returns home from an espionage assignment, he discovers that his wife Anna (Isabelle Adjani) wants a sudden divorce. What begins as a domestic breakdown quickly spirals into something far more unhinged, as Anna’s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic and frightening. Mark’s attempts to uncover the truth lead him to a secret apartment where Anna is tending not to a lover, but to a grotesque, evolving creature that seems to embody the madness consuming her.
From there, the film descends into a surreal nightmare of doppelgängers, violence, and psychological disintegration. Żuławski blends marital drama with supernatural horror to create a feverish, genre-defying portrait of obsession and identity- one that remains as disturbing and mesmerising today as it was upon release.
What has grown even more impressive is the film’s cinematography by Bruno Nuytten. The film is set against the backdrop of Berlin with a muted colour palette that is corporate-esque with greys, whites and dusty blues; even the odd pop of colour with the orange telephone or green leaves looks muted and unexciting. This supports the film’s plot and makes the gore scenes even more intense and grotesque. The cinematography and framing do an excellent job of making the setting look very stark, which becomes increasingly more chaotic as the film goes on to mimic the plot.
The undeniable highlight of Possession is the performances, particularly Isabelle Adjani’s career-defining turn as Anna. Her character’s sudden desire for divorce throws her husband into confusion and paranoia, while Anna herself spirals into erratic and terrifying behaviour. Adjani’s performance is both melodramatic and viscerally physical- her violent outbursts, screaming, and convulsive movements create an utterly unforgettable intensity. One of the film’s most iconic moments sees her in a subway tunnel, thrashing against walls and shaking uncontrollably-a display of raw, physical acting that underscores her extraordinary talent. Her ability to inhabit multiple facets of her character and shift rapidly between extreme emotions demonstrates her mastery of the craft and explains why she is often celebrated in psychologically intense, horror-driven roles.
Sam Neill as Mark provides a compelling counterpoint to Adjani’s Anna, portraying a husband desperate to understand his wife while grappling with his own confusion and fear. While his physicality doesn’t reach the extreme heights of Adjani’s performance, he demonstrates impressive range, conveying horror through sheer desperation. Even subtle moments, such as him rocking back and forth in a chair, reminiscent of classic Gothic horrors like The Woman in Black, carry a chilling weight. Typically cast as the good guy in films like Jurassic Park and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Neill’s portrayal of terror here is unexpected, which only heightens the film’s unsettling impact.
The story is a masterclass in horror storytelling, keeping audiences as unsettled and uncertain as Mark himself. It seamlessly blends psychological tension, supernatural dread, thriller elements, and body horror into a cohesive, gripping narrative that remains a standout in the genre. Combined with the iconic, haunting score and unforgettable performances, it’s no surprise that Possession continues to be celebrated as a classic today.
★★★★ 1/2
On 4K UHD and Blu-ray from December 15th / Isabelle Adjani, Sam Neill / Dir: Andrzej Żuławski / Gaumont, Second Sight Films / 18
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