Andrzej Żuławski‘s 1981 cult classic Possession is getting a remake and fans are split. The original film, lauded for its chilling exploration of a collapsing marriage and descent into body horror, holds a special place in many’s hearts.
Set in Cold War Berlin, Possession features iconic performances by Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill as a disintegrating couple, Anna and Mark. Żuławski’s bold direction and the film’s thematic depth have cemented its status as a masterpiece of psychological horror.
Parker Finn, director of the recent horror hit Smile, will attempt to recreate Possession for a modern audience. Robert Pattinson, known for his roles in Batman and The Twilight Saga, is attached as a producer via his company. While Finn will write, direct, and co-produce, Pattinson’s potential involvement as an actor remains to be confirmed.
News of the remake has sparked a bidding war among major studios, including A24, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, and Warner Bros. However, the announcement has also triggered a wave of skepticism among die-hard fans.
Many horror enthusiasts fear a remake will fail to capture the original’s magic. Social media is filled with comments urging studios to leave the film untouched, citing the irreplaceable performances, Żuławski’s unique vision, and historical context.
“You can’t replace Isabelle Adjani, sorry,” said one fan on Reddit, while another wrote, “Surely they don’t mean THAT Possession… Oh they do. Well, best of luck to whoever is playing the Adjani role.”
“Yeah, you’re basically asking someone to follow up the greatest performance of all time,” another fan states.
Some fans remain cautiously optimistic, drawing parallels to Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria remake. This reimagining took inspiration from the original while presenting a distinct cinematic experience.
“Hoping it’s a similar approach to like Guadagnino’s Suspiria that takes the meat of the original but is basically a completely different movie,” a fan said.
Will Possession be faithfully recreated as a remake or will it be a whole different beast? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: the horror community is watching with apprehension and curiosity.
Here’s a look back at the original trailer, which you can watch on Shudder.
