Possession review: A chilling, powerful horror series with a lot to say

The first scene of the chilling, powerful horror series Possession immediately conveys a sense that the past cannot remain buried, despite efforts to seal it away. Created by Karla Crome and directed by Storm Saulter, the show set in Jamaica vividly illustrates the lasting impact of British colonialism on the present, as the horrors of slavery continue to haunt both locale and time.

Comprising five compelling episodes and featuring a stellar cast led by Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Sheldon Shepherd, Possession explores various aspects of its title, from the historical enslavement of people to the supernatural inhabitation of another. The act of subjugating another, restricting their freedom, functions as both a familiar horror tool and a grim historical reality in this genre-blending series.

While initially set in Bristol, England, the series primarily unfolds in Kingston, Jamaica, drawing chilling connections across multiple timelines to present an unflinching portrayal of intergenerational trauma and the urgent need for reparations. Possession is a haunting ghost story that ties the past to the present.

Hope Hill, a location steeped in darkness, provides the backdrop for the series' events. Credit: Des Willie / Sky Gugu Mbatha-Raw takes on the role of Claudia McKenzie, a high-powered lawyer at a prestigious Bristol law firm, who is assigned to an inheritance case in Jamaica for "political expediency." Despite her boss being unaware of her mixed-race heritage, Claudia is deemed the ideal candidate for the role.

Alfred Connaught, a wealthy white British man, leaves his family's plantation property outside of Kingston to a beneficiary his son Oliver (Jonny Lee Miller) is unaware of. The task falls on Claudia and Oliver to investigate and debunk Oliver's claim.

Before Claudia arrives in Jamaica, she is plagued by dreams of the estate, named Hope Hill. Upon her arrival, amid a vibrant Nine Night wake for Alfred, it becomes evident that something sinister is at play. Tense music by Vince Pope and Ayanna Witter-Johnson sets the tone, and cautious resident Angelo (Jeff Crossley) closes off part of the house as a warning. Despite this caution, Claudia, driven by curiosity, unknowingly unleashes the past.

Throughout Possession, Crome and Saulter skillfully weave horror elements across time to illustrate the painful memories of Hope Hill. The series seamlessly transitions between 16th-century Jamaica during British rule and the transatlantic slave trade, providing a harrowing historical perspective. The plantation, a real site, serves as the setting for the brutality, power struggles, and injustices endured by the enslaved people, including Matthew (Sheldon Shepherd in a dual role), whose father is the overseer and whose presence his white half-sister Charlotte (Bel Powley) despises.

Possession boasts a formidable cast, with each performer delivering a powerful performance. Gugu Mbatha-Raw shines as the complex protagonist Claudia, who evolves from a dismissive, code-switching professional to someone whose perspective on colonial atrocities is forever altered. Moments of darkness are balanced with levity, notably through Nadean Rawlins' standout performance as Claudia's estranged priestess aunt Mercy Stevens. A spinoff centered on Mercy would certainly be worth exploring.

Sheldon Shepherd's dual role as Cudjoe East and Matthew is a tremendous challenge, requiring immensely powerful performances in both historical and modern contexts. As Cudjoe, Shepherd embodies a character carrying hundreds of years of oppression and perspective, while Matthew's portrayal showcases his ability to navigate emotional manipulation endured by an enslaved man pitted against his family.

Bel Powley expertly portrays Charlotte Connaught, the daughter of Alfred Connaught, providing a nuanced look at the social and economic lives of white women in Jamaica during the 18th century. Despite their gender, they are members of a wealthy ruling class made rich from the labor of enslaved men and women. Powley's portrayal is both terrifying and compelling, as her racism, jealousy, and paranoia fuel her obsession with control.

Possession crafts a multifaceted image of Jamaica, recognizing its complexity and beauty.