Genre Investigation (The Possession)

'The Possession' is a 2012 supernatural horror film directed by Ole Bornedal. The film depicts a broken family that becomes affected after one of its members becomes possessed by an old antique box bought from a yard sale which turns out to be the infamous 'dybbuk box'.

Horror conventions used in 'The Possession':

• A family is the main focus of the film where one or both of the parents are the main character(s). In 'The Possession', the main character is the father, Clyde. The use of family creates a more well known scene and focus of the film which the audience can relate to.
• The family includes young children. The use of young children creates a sense of innocence and vulnerability within the family. The use of children also makes the audience feel sympathetic towards the family and creates a strong liking for the family from the start. The audience is also compelled to take the side of the family throughout the film.
  
• In 'The Possession', the feature of a divorced and single father of the young children creates a slight change from the stereotypical family usually used in horror films. This again creates sympathy for the family from the start, especially for the young children.
• Using the family's house as the setting. This creates a scene which the audience can to, much like the use of family.
• The house featured in 'The Possession', like in many other films in the horror genre, is located in suburbia rather than the city. This creates a sense of isolation of the family and makes the family seem a lot more vulnerable than if they were in a busier area. This adds to the supernatural horror feeling of the film.
• One of the children of the family become possessed. In 'The Possession', one of the daughters of the
  
  family becomes possessed and the fact that it is not one of the adults of the family makes it more shocking for the audience.
• The possessed is one of the main character of the film. In 'The Possession', the possessed being a main character ('Em') makes it more significant and keeps the audience interested.