The Possession of Joel Delaney

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The plot revolves around sibling dynamics and supernatural elements, avoiding any queer-coded subtext.

Joan leads the investigation, offering a central female perspective. However, her role is largely confined to traditional family concerns and emotional labor.

Despite featuring Spanish Harlem as a backdrop, the focus remains on upper-class Manhattan characters. Racial elements serve as atmospheric texture without delving into meaningful explorations of identity.

The story unfolds within a traditional Western framework centered on the nuclear family. It adheres to conventional thriller clichés without challenging systemic or institutional structures.

The film examines psychological instability through Joel's erratic behavior. This portrayal often leans into the dangerous or unreliable cliché common in 1970s horror cinema.