On Friday, the possession horror film The Containment hits theaters in limited release across the U.S. and Canada. Originally premiering at Mexico’s Feratum Film Festival in 2024, the film is helmed by the “Zagha Boys” (Jack Zagha Kababie and Yossy Zagha Kababie) and features a breakout performance from Gia Hunter (“Primate”).
The story follows Hunter as Caroline Cobbler, a troubled teen who, following the tragic death of her father, becomes the unwilling host for a sinister force. While the film leans into familiar genre tropes, “The Containment” offers a genuinely eerie take on its entity. The possessor manifests as a physical scarab in the real world, but once inside, it becomes an untouchable shadow slithering just beneath the skin, repositioning itself throughout the host’s body with visceral fluidity.
Despite these unique flourishes, the film struggles to escape the shadow of its predecessors. The first two-thirds hit the standard possession checklist—vomiting, levitating, contortions, a clergy initially unwilling to help—making it feel a bit like well-trodden ground. Caroline’s demeanor compounds this; she is intentionally difficult to like, which makes it hard to root for her during the initial carnage.
However, this coldness is a testament to Hunter’s performance. She plays the role with a specific, prickly energy that feels frustrating until the final act, where the “why” behind her behavior finally pays off.
And that ending is truly the film’s saving grace. A massive third-act twist blows the narrative wide open, forcing you to mentally re-edit everything you’ve witnessed over the previous 75 minutes. It’s the kind of reveal that demands a second viewing with fresh eyes, knowing what you know now.
On a first pass, “The Containment” is a middle-of-the-road entry into the possession subgenre—it isn’t boring, but it doesn’t truly grip you until the clock is running out. But if you are a horror completist or a sucker for a good twist, it’s worth checking out. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that finale since the credits rolled, and in the world of indie horror, that counts for a lot.
“The Containment” is in theaters now. Check Fandango for local showtimes.
