“The Possession of Hannah Grace” (2018), directed by Diederik Van Rooijen, is a supernatural horror film centered on Megan Reed (Shay Mitchell), an ex-cop struggling with addiction, who takes a graveyard shift at a hospital morgue. While on duty, she receives the body of Hannah Grace (Kirby Johnson), a young woman who died during an exorcism. Soon after, Megan begins to experience terrifying and inexplicable events as the malevolent spirit in Hannah’s body wreaks havoc on the hospital.

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Plot Summary:

The film opens with a failed exorcism that results in the death of Hannah Grace. Her body, marked by unnatural signs of possession, arrives at the morgue where Megan works. As the night unfolds, Megan discovers that Hannah’s corpse is not as lifeless as it seems. The demonic entity that once possessed her still lingers, growing stronger as it terrorizes Megan and anyone else who crosses its path.

Performances:

Shay Mitchell delivers a solid performance as Megan Reed, a protagonist haunted by personal demons and struggling with PTSD and addiction. Mitchell’s portrayal of Megan’s vulnerability and resolve brings emotional depth to a character who is otherwise caught in a formulaic horror narrative. Kirby Johnson, playing Hannah Grace, is particularly memorable for her physical performance, using contorted body movements to convey the menacing spirit within.

Atmosphere and Visuals:

The film is set almost entirely within the confines of a dark, sterile morgue, which contributes to a claustrophobic atmosphere. The dim lighting, long corridors, and eerie silence create an unsettling backdrop, heightening the tension as strange events unfold. The use of practical effects, especially in the portrayal of Hannah’s body and its contortions, is effectively creepy. However, the film’s reliance on jump scares and familiar horror tropes limits its potential to truly terrify.

Criticism:

The Possession of Hannah Grace received largely negative reviews from critics, with many citing its predictable plot and lack of originality. The film was criticized for its formulaic approach to the possession genre, failing to break new ground or provide a compelling narrative. As Variety noted, the film “generally fails to generate much tension, atmosphere, or scare.” Similarly, The Hollywood Reporter pointed out that despite the strong premise, the execution felt flat, with the story taking a backseat to routine jump scares.

The film also struggled to fully explore its thematic elements. Megan’s battle with trauma and addiction is introduced as a key aspect of her character, but the connection between her psychological state and the supernatural events remains underdeveloped. The opportunity to create a deeper, more psychologically driven horror film was ultimately missed.

Positive Aspects:

Despite the criticism, some viewers appreciated the film’s atmosphere and pacing. The morgue setting provided an inherently creepy environment, and the film’s tight 85-minute runtime kept the narrative moving at a brisk pace. Additionally, the physicality of Kirby Johnson’s performance as Hannah was widely praised for adding a visceral quality to the supernatural horror.

Conclusion:

The Possession of Hannah Grace is a by-the-numbers horror film that offers some atmospheric tension and effective body horror, but it largely falls short in delivering a memorable or innovative take on the possession genre. While Shay Mitchell’s performance adds emotional weight to the story, the film is ultimately let down by its reliance on predictable scares and underdeveloped plot points.