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Possessions

Name: Possessions
Director: Shuhei Morita
Released: 2014
Duration: 14 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2014

Director

Shuhei Morita

Runtime

14 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Possessions is a visually striking short film that excels through its deep connection to Japanese folklore. By focusing on the concept of tsukumogami, the film creates a culturally cohesive world that avoids Western-centric storytelling clichés. However, the film's narrow focus on a single male protagonist and supernatural entities limits its exploration of diverse identities. It serves as a study of traditional mythology rather than a platform for modern social or identity-based commentary. Ultimately, the work offers strong ethnic specificity and cultural authenticity, even as it lacks engagement with contemporary frameworks regarding gender, disability, or queer identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Possessions have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include explicit representations of LGBTQ+ identities or stories. The focus is solely on the interactions between the main human character and various supernatural beings.

How does Possessions portray gender?

Fair

The story is driven by a male protagonist without challenging traditional gender roles. Female characters have limited roles and do not have significant influence or complex personal relationships.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Possessions?

Excellent

The film excels in cultural authenticity by emphasizing Japanese folklore. Characters are designed to reflect Japanese heritage, highlighting non-Western mythological traditions.

How does Possessions represent religion and culture?

Good

The film uses a subjective, folkloric morality where objects have their own choices. It stays true to traditional aesthetics rather than critiquing Western institutions.

Does Possessions include disability representation?

Limited

There is no prominent depiction of physical or neurological disabilities. Supernatural transformations serve as mythological clichés rather than intentional representations of disability.

Present on Screen

Exceptional cultural authenticity through the use of Japanese folklore and Shinto-inspired aesthetics.
Strong rejection of Western-centric narrative clichés in favor of non-Western mythological traditions.
Deeply rooted character designs that celebrate specific ethnic and spiritual heritage.

Limited or Absent

Lack of diverse gender representation and female characters with significant influence.
Absence of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that engage with non-traditional perspectives.
Minimal representation of physical or neurological disabilities within the character dynamics.

Official Synopsis

A man sheltering from a storm is trapped in a house where the objects have developed souls. In order to leave, he must first fix the objects.

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