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| Images Courtesy of Crank Up Films |
Trauma and
guilt over the past have become a dominant figure in modern
entertainment. Perhaps as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic or perhaps
a natural development given the fractured nature of the human race, countless
films and television shows have been developed that examine the cost of
unresolved psychic damage. Jerry Sommer's latest feature film, iPossessed
takes this concept and filters it through a supernatural lens in which the sins
of the past are made manifest in the form of a demonic presence.
Featuring an emotionally vulnerable ensemble, unexpectedly crisp visuals, and a
production design that elevates this far above most independent horror
offerings, this is one perfectly uncomfortable ride.
A group of friends gather at a housewarming party only to be confronted with a
malevolent force. As things begin to turn violent, each of them will be
forced to confront the true demons...their past transgressions. Carl Rimi
(who also stars) cowrote the script with Javier Mayol and Maurice
Billington. Right from the onset, aside from the inherent creepiness of
the house, it is clear that this is the kind of horror film with a lot on its
mind. Issues such as warfare related PTSD and abhorrent sexual behaviors
are touched upon, showcasing for the audience that refusing to deal with the
past will only destroy you in the long run.
Jose Ferrer, Bradford Hamilton, and Nicolas Jullien's cinematography is the true hero of this production. While the acting and writing travels the spectrum of chilling to absurd, the way it is shot is absolutely amazing. Combined with the quickfire editing of Somner and Mayol, the viewer is transported into a living hell on Earth, with the interior shots being close up and at odd angles, the perfect combination to evoke a sense of unease.
Jackie George and Monica Marin's makeup design is the perfect coconspirator when the demonic possessions begin, using tricks of light and cosmetic witchcraft to display walking nightmares. All of the elements congeal with Zack Judson's visual effects to present the world of iPossessed as an amalgam of mistakes and crimes. The result is not quite able to overcome its inherent shortcomings, but the vibe, the mood that the viewer is put into is memorable.
Now available for digital rental, iPossession is a demonic story that has been told many times, however, its approach to using the personal demons of each character as a means of "transmission" is very creative and signals that this cast and crew not only have a strong understanding of the medium, but that at they continue to grow as artists their forthcoming projects will be something to behold.
--Kyle
Jonathan