Episode 93 - Elizabeth Little and Errol Seymour (Possession 1981)

With the sad passing of National Treasure Sam Neill, it seemed only fitting that we look at probably his weirdest role - Andrzej Żuławski's 1981 divorce-(monster)-horror movie "Possession". Neill plays Mark, a spy (and dog assassin?) who abandons his job in order to return to his family, only to find that his wife Anna (a truly haunted-looking Isabelle Adjani) has been having an affair, and wants a divorce. As he begins to investigate (and to attempt a reconciliation with Anna), it becomes clear that something much much worse is happening. At no point does anyone behave in a manner remotely resembling a "normal human". Elizabeth Little returns to the show, alongside her friend Errol, to discuss this entirely singular entry in Sam Neill's filmography and unpack the many many layers of potential interpretation, and the strange emotional logic that powers this fascinating and deeply uncomfortable movie. Find Liz's work at: https://liz-shrikestudio.itch.io, and Errol's at: https://errolseymour.carrd.co Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.