Possessor

With the 2020 release of "Possessor," director Brandon Cronenberg delivers a chilling and visceral experiment in psychological horror and science fiction. This intricate and mind-bending film stars Andrea Riseborough alongside Christopher Abbott and Jennifer Jason Leigh, who collectively immerse us into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.

"Possessor" tells the story of Tasya Vos (played by Andrea Riseborough) who works as an elite and complex assassin for a secretive organization that is in the business of contract killings. However, this is not your standard team of assassins. Rather, in a fascinating twist, the operatives carry out their hits by way of technologically induced body possession.

As an experienced agent, Tasya is adept at maneuvering the technological possession system to take over the bodies and minds of selected individuals. Once control is established, the targets are compelled to execute the assassination, before ultimately being eliminated themselves, thus leaving no trace of the actual orchestrator of the assassination.

Tasya is an expert at her job, having successfully carried out numerous missions. However, as the film unfolds, it becomes evident that this unusual line of work is starting to take a profound emotional and psychological toll on her. Balancing her personal life with her work becomes progressively more difficult, particularly as instances of lingering remnants from her host bodies start to affect her psyche. It is a terrifying look at identity, consciousness, and the effect of intermingling minds.

Riseborough's portrayal of Tasya is hauntingly engaging. She encapsulates the torment of a woman losing herself in the lives of others and remarkably expresses the internal struggle and mental disintegration of her character. Christopher Abbott provides a memorable performance as Colin Tate, one of Tasya's targets, and Jennifer Jason Leigh plays Girder, Tasya’s hard-hearted handler and mentor.

"Possessor" is laced with an undercurrent of tension, heightened by its expertly constructed visual style. The cinematography is both bleak and vibrant, contributing to the surreal and distortive experience of the film. Brandon Cronenberg uses explicit violence to highlight the brutality and ruthiness of the possession process, which may be unsettling for sensitive viewers.

The movie's special visual effects are no less impressive. The distinct aesthetic of the film adds immeasurably to the sense of unsettlement and unreality that pervades the narrative. Cronenberg effectively uses grossly beautiful visuals to represent the act of mind control and the struggle for dominance. One can't help but marvel at the disturbing beauty of the film and the thought that went into creating such arresting visuals.

"Possessor's" narrative, while engrossing, is not straightforward and relies heavily on visual storytelling. It’s a cryptic journey rife with unforeseen twists, ethical conundrums, and corporeal confusion. The film demands viewers' full attention and encourages exploration into the themes of identity and agency as they relate to the body and mind.

The score and sound design provide an eerie soundtrack to the macabre world of "Possessor." The unnerving ambient sounds and harsh electronic notes punctuate the film’s startling visuals and lend a surreal quality to Tasya's experiences. The viewers experience her disorientation and anxiety due to the immersive sound design.

"Possessor" is indisputably a unique and unsettling movie. It is a haunting exploration of disassociated identity, combined with a macabre premise wrapped in an atmospheric cloak of surreal disorientation. It’s a film that warrants discussion and dissection, boasting impressive performances and bold directional choices that make it not just a thrilling cinematic experience, but also a thought-provoking examination of modern fears about the loss of self.

To wrap it up, if you are a fan of psychological horror or have a proclivity for films that challenge you to think outside the box, then "Possessor" deserves your attention. It’s a visually arresting, intellectually engaging, and emotionally heavy film that provides an exceptionally unforgettable cinematic experience, thanks to the absorbing performances and Cronenberg's unflinching direction. Be prepared to leave the cinema haunted by its imagery and provoked by its themes.