By Melissa Antoinette Garza
The Possessed (1975) is a 1970‘s film that unapologetically borrowed a lot from The Exorcist (1973). Though many movies spawned after the classic with Linda Blair very few were able to capture any level of originality let alone any genuinely creepy scenes.
The Possessed hit the nail on the head. It starts with Mother Gautère (Tota Alba), an old woman that runs a Satanic cult. When chased by officials she jumps out of a window swearing that it isn’t over. Backing her up is a beautiful Gypsy Witch (Kali Hansa) intent on bringing her back forever.
Shortly after, a young girl named Susan (Mariana Salgado) begins acting very different. She starts swearing which is out of character. Soon, her head spins and Gautère’s face begins manifesting as if the child is 1/2 herself and 1/2 crazy Satan lady.
The scenes where Tota Alba is wearing Mariana Salgado’s clothing are so creepy and unusual. It’s brilliantly done because you’re looking at a little girl and Alba is about the same size as Salgado so when she turns it’s unexpected and frightening.
All the typical exorcism/cult tropes are present, but done in a much less processed way. It doesn’t come across like an A-Z checklist for the genre. It almost is as though they utilized common methodology in a way horror fans aren’t accustomed to. This made the film much darker and certainly stand out among far lesser movies.
Everything from sacrificing babies, to attempts at seducing a priest, and the dark demonic rasps can be found, but the movie built on these tropes rather than capitalized or relied on them. To put it in perspective, the reboot of The Evil Dead (2013) or the 1990 ridiculous film Spirits (1990) were A-Z films that would have had no plot without this visual and audible candy (in the case of Spirits (1990), they lucked out because it starred the amazing Erik Estrada who made the movie fun.)
I read on Wikipedia that as of late The Possessed or under it’s alternate title Demon Witch Child is now viewed as an underrated horror gem and a must-see. I couldn’t agree more or say it better. This should be revered and looked upon highly. It isn’t just an Exorcist copycat. It sets a completely different tone. It’s intelligent though it does have some silly parts. For example, it’s absolutely hilarious when Mother Gautère jumps through the window. What makes this movie close to perfection was the moments that make even the fluent horror fan get chills.
It’s currently available on Amazon for rent or purchase. For those who haven’t seen it, it’s a definite must-see.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8.5/10
