Film Review: The Possession of Hannah Grace

Genre: Horror 

Cert: 15

Director: Diederik Van Rooijen

Screenwriter: Brian Sieve

Starring: Shay Mitchell, Grey Damon, Kirby Johnson, Nick Thune, Louis Herthum, Stana Katic, Maximillian McNamara, Jacob Ming-Trent, James A. Watson Jr., Marianne Bayard, James A. Watson Jr., Marianne Bayard, Adrian M. Mompoint, Matt Mings, Gijs Scholten van Aschat, Guy Clemens, Sean Burns, Andrea Lyman, George J. Vezina, Melissa McMeekin

Running time: 1h 26m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: The main character can be seen showering in the beginning. A brief and unclear side view of her breast can be seen.

A dead female body is fully naked throughout the movie but her hands cover her breasts. Her pubic region is also covered with her crossed legs. However, in one of the scenes, her exposed breasts can be seen when she is attacking someone.

The possessed corpse of a young woman is seen naked throughout the movie. However, her breasts and butt are seen only momentarily.

Violence & Gore: A young girl is twisted and contorted, many bones apparently breaking, during an exorcism

A man is thrown through the air and has his head impaled on a statue of Jesus

A man is shot offscreen (seen in flashback)

A young man has his body telepathically contorted and his neck broken offscreen, his bloodied body is later seen

A woman is telepathically contorted, her arms graphically snapping; her crumpled body is later found

A man's neck is violently snapped, a burst of blood is briefly seen

A man is burned alive

A man's neck is violently slashed, blood sprays the wall beside him

A young woman is shot point-blank several times

A young woman is thrown into a fire, she screams in agony

The gruesome body of the titular character is seen often; partially charred and with deep, grisly lacerations to her torso and neck

Profanity: Very little, if any

Alcohol/drugs: A young woman has a history of addiction and is seen in Alcoholics Anonymous, another woman mentions being her sponsor

When strange things start happening, a young woman grasps a bottle of prescription anxiety medication and debates taking them

A man accuses a woman of stealing his prescription medication

Frightening/Intense Scenes: The presence of a demonic entity is pretty frightening 

 Story: A shuddering exorcism spins out of control and claims the life of a young girl. Months later, while working the night shift at the hospital morgue, Megan Reed receives a disfigured corpse. Alone and locked in the corridors of the cold basement, she starts to experience hair-raising visions, which lead her to suspect that the dead body delivered that night is possessed by a ruthless evil entity.

Review:  "The Possession of Hannah Grace": A Chilling Descent into Darkness

"The Possession of Hannah Grace" descends upon audiences with a bone-chilling tale of terror, delivering a visceral and unsettling horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Directed by a master of the genre, the film is a haunting exploration of demonic possession and the horrors that lie beyond the veil of death.

One of the film's most striking strengths is its atmosphere of palpable dread. From the moment the opening credits roll, a sense of unease pervades every frame, setting the stage for the spine-tingling horrors that await. The director expertly utilizes shadow and sound to create an oppressive sense of isolation, trapping viewers in the claustrophobic confines of the morgue where the sinister events unfold.

The cast delivers standout performances, with the actress portraying Hannah Grace delivering a tour-de-force performance that is equal parts chilling and captivating. Her transformation from a seemingly innocent victim to a vessel of malevolent evil is portrayed with a haunting authenticity, drawing audiences deeper into the darkness that consumes her. Supporting characters, including medical personnel and sceptics alike, add depth to the narrative and enhance the film's sense of realism.

Furthermore, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" offers a fresh twist on the classic possession narrative, injecting new life into familiar tropes while also introducing innovative scares and surprises. The film's inventive use of practical effects and subtle psychological horror keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, delivering moments of genuine terror that are sure to haunt viewers long after the final credits roll.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the pacing to be uneven, with certain scenes feeling drawn out or lacking in tension. Additionally, while the film's emphasis on atmosphere and psychological horror is effective, it may not deliver the jump scares and visceral thrills that some horror fans crave.

Moreover, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" may feel derivative to viewers familiar with the genre, borrowing heavily from established tropes and conventions. While the film offers a fresh take on familiar material, it may not break new ground for seasoned horror aficionados.

Overall: Despite these minor criticisms, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" remains a chilling and atmospheric horror film that delivers genuine scares and a sense of creeping dread. With its standout performances, innovative scares, and chilling atmosphere, the film offers a terrifying journey into the heart of darkness that is not for the faint of heart. Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or a casual viewer looking for a scare, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" is sure to leave you sleeping with the lights on.

Rating: 5 out of 5 for Entertainment / 9 out of 10 for demonic horror