The Possessed (2009)
THE POSSESSED (2009) (Spooked Television Releasing)
As seen on Sci Fi
Channel.
Directed by The Booth Brothers.
SYNOPSIS:
The belief in possession by evil spirits plagued the darkness
of the 18th century. Madness and hysteria spread, classifying the
cripples and mentally ill as "Being under the control of the Devil".
These misfits became the victims of bizarre exorcisms or " Casting Out
Rituals". Banished and removed from society they were locked away
inside brutal asylums. Left helpless, alone and afraid they were
branded "The Possessed".
REVIEW: "Angels to Some Devils to
others" - no we're not talking about the Hellraiser films. Our journey
is an investigation in the form of the recent "The Possessed". A
documentary covering specific cases of reported possessions. Several
instances are featured though the primary one comes in the form of the
"Watseka Wonder". A rather bizarre case that extends not one generation
but an additional possession of another in town. Mary Roff who died at
the young age of 18 was a sufferer of seizure episodes and violent fits
all her life. In 1877, things were different with many of these case
easily dismissed as insanity without the present medial knowledge we
have today. Mary Roff is explored, researched and contacted though
psychic mediums. The results are startling.
The Booth Brothers
put together another fine documentary piece that explores this very
phenomena. In the course of the film, we also hear about cases such as
the Annilease Michel (Emily Rose ) case, Dewi Morlaine, Marcus
Tallbull, Kelly March and Michael Jones (who dies 26 times as a primi
baby). Each of these cases are documented possession cases that are
still highly controversial to this day. Though the clips are
intertwined more in the scheme of the film rather than into great
detail. The intent here is to unravel the mystery of Mary Roff and
Lurancy Vennum.
Devices such as an Ovilus are used to read
energy into words. While the device is questionable, the words chosen
are what is haunting about it's results. A rather unique device, that I
don't fully understand.
The question asked is, is this
possession or reincarnation? Lurancy Vennum became overtaken by the
spirit of Mary Roff at the age of 2. Evidence presented shows that
Lurancy was indeed possessed due to the details she verbalized without
having any any relation or previous knowledge of The Roff family. As we
dig deeper we find that Mary Roff often spoke in foreign tongues for no
reason and possessed clairvoyance skills in which she could even read
the contents of a sealed envelop. Mary who died at the young age of 18
became fascinated before hand with Bloodletting and the use of leeches
to purge the evil spirits. the whole ordeal was furthered damaged by
her families action to put her into a mental asylum. Whatever the case
may be, the finger points to a possession of pure evil rather than
angelic.
Through investigations we find similarities in the
fascination known as "cutting" who Kelly March confesses to. Even to
the bizarre extent of cutting so bad the flesh would literally hang
off. Argued that the action was a result of the person claiming to rid
of evil spirits, this is also a modern day affliction that many
actually suffer from due to mental issues.
Visits to asylums
are chilling in there current day distressed forms. A tour reveals some
highly dangerous methods used in the old days involving the drilling
into one's skull "intrepidation" and former elements used to experiment
on the mentally ill. In one report, we are shown a chair that a patient
was strapped to for 6 months while there head was enclosed in a covered
box. Other methods reveal extreme temperature water tubs used to shock
the systems. In any case these were times of extreme questionable
medical practices.
Overall, while the film projects a haunting
ghostly tone, there is a solid sense of compassion for the sick and
troubled. I was personally hoping to see more of the original Emily
Rose case Annilease Michel but it was only mentioned in passing with
some quick footage. The audio though from that case is beyond
frightening.
As in previous releases the team uses a variety
of tools to help define the evidence. These include EVP's, thermal
imaging, heat sensors, and help from seances, mediums and psychics. The
film features a nice mix of scenes, from person to person who were
subjected some degree to possession and spiritual activity. A
fascinating piece indeed.
It's strength comes in the evidence
and progress made on the Roff and Venumm cases that resolve and
emphasize the notion of life after death and the spirits that linger. I
think the production fits perfectly in with the level of consumer
interest in all things supernatural. The product is well done and the
story is equally impressive.
