Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- wistful
- earnest
- quiet evening
- literary film night
What critics said
Critics found the literary romance and period intrigue appealing enough for source-material fans, but considered the adaptation tame, unevenly toned, and emotionally over-wrought.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Roland and Maud trace love letters and scholarly evidence to uncover the Victorian poets' relationship.
The modern scholars' romance develops alongside the reconstructed affair of Randolph Ash and Christabel LaMotte.
The plot begins when Roland discovers letters exchanged by the Victorian poets and uses them to pursue the truth.
Roland, Maud, and Fergus Wolfe compete over access to the poets' discovery while debating its meaning and possession.
Films like Possession, and why
The French Lieutenant's Woman
Shared literary romance, interwoven historical and contemporary love stories, and scholarly investigation.
Atonement
Shared period intrigue, forbidden romance, and emotionally charged adaptation of literary material.
The Lake House
Shared academics, romantic mystery, and discovery of a hidden relationship through archival clues.
Movie Details
- Director
- Neil LaBute
- Release Date
- 2002-08-16
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (197)
Cast
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- Aaron Eckhart
- Jeremy Northam
- Jennifer Ehle
- Lena Headey
- Holly Aird
- Toby Stephens
- Trevor Eve
- Georgia Mackenzie
- Tom Hollander
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Possession about?
- A guarded scholar and a determined literary detective uncover a Victorian secret that mirrors their own unexpected romance.
- What is Possession like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Possession as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Possession violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Possession.
- What did critics think of Possession?
- Critics found the literary romance and period intrigue appealing enough for source-material fans, but considered the adaptation tame, unevenly toned, and emotionally over-wrought.
- Which films are like Possession?
- Films with a similar feel include The French Lieutenant's Woman, Atonement, and The Lake House.
- How long is Possession?
- Possession runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch Possession?
- In United States, Possession is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
