Possum (2018) is a psychological horror film that delves into themes of trauma, repression, and the haunting nature of past sins. The story follows Philip, a troubled puppeteer, who returns to his childhood home after a disgraceful incident at work. He brings with him a disturbing puppet named Possum, a grotesque creation with a human-like head and long, spindly legs resembling a spider.

Philip’s objective is clear: to destroy Possum and rid himself of the puppet’s menacing presence. However, his attempts are repeatedly thwarted as the puppet keeps reappearing, as though it has a life of its own. As Philip navigates the crumbling, desolate landscape of his past, he is forced to confront deeply buried memories of his abusive childhood and the malevolent influence of his sinister stepfather, Maurice.

The film unravels in a series of unsettling and fragmented sequences, blurring the line between reality and nightmare. Possum, both as a puppet and a symbol, represents Philip’s guilt and unresolved trauma, which he cannot simply discard. The suffocating atmosphere, coupled with Philip’s deteriorating mental state, builds a sense of dread as he spirals further into darkness.

Through minimal dialogue and a haunting score, Possum crafts a slow-burning descent into the human psyche’s most tormented corners. Its grim visual style and psychological depth leave viewers questioning the nature of monsters—whether they are external entities or manifestations of inner demons. Ultimately, the film explores how confronting one’s fears and past horrors is the only way to achieve liberation, no matter how terrifying that journey might be.