PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Ever since I first heard about Possum, I was intrigued by the story and images. I had heard mixed reviews, some people who really enjoyed and others who despised it. I wondered where I would fall in the spectrum. After watching it, I feel like I’m somewhere in the middle and I’ll tell you why.
This new horror thriller is written/directed by Matthew Holness with a cast starring Sean Harris, and Alun Armstrong. It is produced by James Harris, Mark Lane, Wayne Marc Godfrey, and Robert Jones.
Official Synopsis for Possum:
A disgraced children’s puppeteer must confront his sinister stepfather and a hideous puppet he keeps hidden in a brown leather bag in order to escape the dark horrors of his past.
Possum was disturbing and uncomfortable from beginning to end. It’s grim and dark and definitely not for everyone. I had mixed feelings about how I should feel about the lead character, Philip (Harris). Should I feel sorry for him? Is that wrong? Did he really do the stuff people say he did? Will we find out? It was an emotional coaster of uncertainty.
The atmosphere was eerie and unsettling. Dread was always in the air and suffocated the character both mentally and physically as well as the viewer as you experience the pain and suffering Philip is going through. Sean Harris’ delivers a memorable performance as a man who has completely lost his way and is looking for any ounce of hope. It was sometimes hard to watch, but Sean made it hard to look away from the screen.
Adding to Possum’s eerie atmosphere is an original soundtrack by the iconic electronic band, The Radiophonic Workshop (Doctor Who). It fits the tone perfectly. I also must say that the Possum puppet is one of the creepiest things I’ve ever seen in a film. Pure nightmare fuel.
Possum is now available on DVD from Dark Sky Films. I highly recommend you check this one out. It’s weird, disturbing, and incredibly dark but doesn’t disappoint.
