The Possession of Hannah Grace is a shocking horror movie that brings the audience deep into the shadowy, eerie world where there is no distinction between life and death. It tells the story of a one-time police officer, Megan Reed, who is depressed and addicted but has to work a night shift in one of the cold and brutalist hospitals morgues. This becomes even more dramatic when she is given a disfigured body of Hannah Grace, a young woman killed at that and partially burnt. Even as unnatural and violent happenings appear, Megan starts to believe that the body is a demon, causing dreadful paranormal events that endanger all people surrounding her. The scary visuals and the tense flow of the film make the atmosphere of the movie strict, once putting the audience on the edges of their seats.
The reason why the movie was especially successful is the emphasis on the atmosphere, practical effects, and the depth of the characters. The mental attacks that Megan experiences give the horrifying events some emotional appeal and make her combat with the evil creature personal and urgent. The movie deals with the issue of trauma, redemption and the ability of evil to survive even after death. The demonic possession scenes, more so the levitations and violent outbursts, are horrific as well as shocking, increasing the feeling of horror. The eventual collision which leads to the burning of the body of Hannah in the cremator is cathartic, but haunting and enhanced by a chilling climax scene that suggests that the evil might not leave.
Altogether, The Possession of Hannah Grace is an effective nail-biting horror movie with its horror elements intertwined with feelings. It makes a lasting impact by its good visual effects, good acting, and a feeling of dread that never ends. Some of the plotlines are cliché in the thriller genre, but the way it is carried out in the movie makes these cliches feel like a very scary movie. It is a haunting fact that some evil will never die and the difference between the living and the dead is in most cases weaker than we believe.
