Ava's Possessions

Ava's Possessions is an intriguing horror-comedy movie dating back to 2015, directed and written by Jordan Galland. The film centers on Ava Dobkins, compellingly played by Louisa Krause, who finds herself in the aftermath of an exorcism, trying to piece her life back together. This movie takes the conventional possession horror trope and flips it boldly, exploring the consequences of demonic possession rather than the possession itself.

The story unfolds in an oppressive, macabre, and yet somewhat bemusing tone. Louisa Krause, through her character of Ava, seems to navigate a swirl of distortion, reflecting unnerving isolation and confusion. The supporting actors- playful Whitney Able as Jillian and redoubtable Deborah Rush as Joanna- debut as colorful figures, thus adding layers of intricacy to the narrative, as Ava charts the turbulent waters of recovery and re-discovery.

Ava's Possessions commences on an unusual note, with Ava waking up post-exorcism, clueless about her recent past that lasted almost a month. Swathed in eerie circumstances like waking up surrounded by a mysterious slime, discovering physical changes she can't account for, and dealing with legal ramifications of her actions during demonic blackout, Ava embarks on a demonic anonymous support group journey; a mandatory participation owing to her potential criminal charges during possession.

While most films in the genre focus on the possession and subsequent exorcism, this film dares to explore a rarely acknowledged aspect: life after the traumatic event. Ava’s obligation to attend the support group sessions serve both as a humorous poke at self-help culture and as a genuine part of her peculiar healing process. Here she encounters the equally troubled yet fascinating members, grappling with their own identity crises. This cunning turn of narrative imbues an air of uncertainty, making the viewers ponder the real-life consequences of being possessed by a malignant spirit.

Moreover, the movie unravels various interpersonal relationships that Ava had damaged during her possession, adding the element of family and friend drama which laces the horror with pain and regret. At times, the movie skewers into the realm of the detective genre, too, as Ava transforms into an impromptu sleuth. She chooses to unearth her actions during her lost month, unweaving a web of mystery, horror, comedy, and drama.

Director Jordan Galland stands out for effortlessly blending multiple elements into the narrative and creating an atypical horror film while preserving the genre's essential spirit. Cinematic techniques like distorted images in the mirror, unusual color palettes, and ominous music score cue viewers into Ava’s discombobulated state and the sinister theme of the movie. The film compels viewers to invest emotionally in Ava's journey rather than only focusing on the horror elements.

Ava's Possessions is distinctive due to its genre-bending approach. It treads on the line between horror and comedy, tragedy and satire, personal dramas and supernatural aspects. This blending makes Ava's Possessions more than your ordinary horror movie - it becomes a character study, a journey of self-discovery in the face of extraordinary circumstances. The focus on the repercussions of such an outlandish event, the exploration of human relationships, and an underlying investigation make the film a unique narrative.

Louisa Krause deserves accolades for her portrayal of Ava, who navigates the convoluted paths of reconstruction after her demonic ordeal. Her transformative acting brings the character of Ava alive, making her the heart of the film. With a compelling supporting cast, including Whitney Able and Deborah Rush, Ava's Possessions introduces a support group's memorable characters, each more eccentric than the last.

In a nutshell, Ava's Possessions offers viewers a refreshing twist on the possession narrative- a canvas where it paints, with meticulous strokes, a story of demonic possession's aftermath. Through Ava's journey of self-discovery, the film delves deep into the terrifying premise and gives it a humorous, poignant, and insightful spin. Suffice to say, it's a film that is sure to be appreciated by audiences who treasure innovative and thought-provoking storytelling within the horror genre.