Robert Pattinson is set to produce a remake of the 1981 horror film Possession, with Parker Finn, known for his work on Smile, directing the project. This unexpected news has left many fans and critics puzzled, questioning the rationale behind remaking Andrzej Żuławski’s cult classic.
Possession, a film that delves into themes of marital infidelity, sexual obsession, and supernatural horror, has long been revered for its unique and unsettling narrative. The original movie, which remained relatively obscure for decades, gained renewed attention after being remastered and made more accessible to modern audiences. This resurgence in popularity was further fueled by the proliferation of gifs and memes on social media, capturing some of the film’s most iconic and bizarre moments.
The decision to remake such a distinctive and polarizing film has sparked a bidding war among studios, with some executives describing the project as “batshit” and “exciting.” However, fans of the original film have expressed their dismay and skepticism, with reactions ranging from disbelief to outright hostility.
Pattinson, who is producing the remake through his company Icki Eneo Arlo, will not be starring in the film. The script will be penned by Finn, who is also represented by CAA, Grandview, and Jackoway Austen. Pattinson’s representation includes WME, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Curtis Brown Group.
The original Possession follows a woman who begins to exhibit increasingly disturbing behavior after asking her husband for a divorce. What starts as suspicions of infidelity soon escalates into a nightmarish descent into madness and supernatural horror. The film is known for its intense performances, particularly by Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill, and its unsettling, surreal imagery.
The news of this remake has left many wondering why such a unique film would be chosen for a modern retelling. The original Possession is often considered a masterpiece of psychotronic cinema, a genre that blends psychological horror with surreal and often disturbing elements. Its cult status and the deeply personal vision of Żuławski make it a challenging film to reinterpret.
Despite the skepticism, the project has generated significant interest in the industry. The Hollywood Reporter was the first to break the news, highlighting the involvement of Pattinson and Finn and the competitive nature of the bidding process.
As the project moves forward, it remains to be seen how the remake will be received by both fans of the original film and new audiences. The original Possession’s blend of psychological horror, surrealism, and intense performances set a high bar, and any attempt to recreate its impact will undoubtedly face scrutiny.
For now, the question of “why” remains unanswered, and the film community watches with a mix of curiosity and apprehension as this remake takes shape.
