You are here:

The Possessed

Name: The Possessed
Director: Christopher Saint Booth
Released: 2009
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2009

Director

Christopher Saint Booth

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Possessed is a genre-specific historical thriller that adheres to traditional narrative structures. It centers on a documented 19th-century case of spiritual possession, which limits the scope for modern multi-layered complexity. While the film features a female character as the main protagonist, she is portrayed through the lens of a distressed victim of supernatural forces. The historical setting further reinforces a demographic homogeneity typical of the period. Ultimately, the film functions as a standard horror piece. It lacks the intentional disruption of social hierarchies or the nuanced representation of mental health required for a higher diversity rating.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Possessed have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a 19th-century historical account of spiritual possession. There is no evidence of diverse gender identities or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Possessed portray gender?

Fair

A 13-year-old girl serves as the central figure of the story. However, her role is defined by the phenomenon of possession rather than her own choices or challenging gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Possessed?

Limited

Set in 1870 Illinois, the narrative likely reflects the demographic homogeneity of the time. The focus on this specific historical event suggests an Anglo-Saxon focus.

How does The Possessed represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story explores themes of spiritualism and the 'insane dead.' It operates within traditional horror frameworks rather than critiquing Western institutions or morality.

Does The Possessed include disability representation?

Fair

The plot uses spirits of the 'insane dead' to affect a child. This risks using mental instability as a supernatural plot device rather than providing a nuanced portrayal of neurodivergence.

Present on Screen

The film centers a female character as the primary protagonist of the historical account.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on traditional horror clichés regarding distressed female characters.
The film risks using mental instability as a mere supernatural plot device.
The historical setting lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting 19th-century homogeneity.
There is a complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation or diverse gender identities.

Official Synopsis

Based on the True Story, The Watseka Wonder, America's first documented possession in 1870. A chilling story of a 13-year-old girl from the small town of Watseka, Illinois who became possessed by spirits of the insane dead.

How are these scores produced? →