Possum

Main Plot

"Possum" is a psychological horror film directed by Matthew Holness. The story follows Philip, a disgraced children's puppeteer who returns to his childhood home. Haunted by his past, Philip carries with him a grotesque puppet named Possum, which he is unable to dispose of despite numerous attempts. The puppet is a manifestation of Philip's traumatic memories and guilt, particularly involving his stepfather, Maurice, who still lives in the family home. As Philip struggles with his mental state, the line between reality and nightmare blurs. He is tormented by visions of Possum and becomes increasingly paranoid, believing the puppet is alive and malevolent. The film explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the impact of childhood abuse. Philip's journey is a harrowing attempt to confront and rid himself of the physical and psychological burdens he carries. The eerie atmosphere and sparse dialogue enhance the film's chilling narrative, leading to a disturbing yet poignant climax that forces Philip to face the darkest corners of his psyche.

Characters

• Sean Harris plays Philip, a disgraced children's puppeteer confronting his sinister stepfather and confronting his traumatic past symbolized by a grotesque puppet, Possum.
• Alun Armstrong plays Maurice, the cruel and abusive uncle to the protagonist, Philip, contributing to Philip's psychological torment and fear throughout the film.
• Andy Blithe portrays Maurice, the stepfather of the protagonist, Philip, and plays a crucial role in the unsettling revelations of Philip's traumatic childhood.

Ending Explained

In the ending of the film "Possum," the protagonist, Philip, a disgraced children's puppeteer, confronts his traumatic past and his abusive uncle, Maurice. Throughout the movie, Philip is tormented by the presence of his grotesque puppet, Possum, which symbolizes the abuse he endured as a child at the hands of Maurice. The climax occurs when Philip attempts to destroy the puppet multiple times, but it keeps reappearing, reflecting his inability to escape his psychological torment. The conclusion unfolds as Philip returns to his childhood home, where he faces Maurice and accuses him of the abuse. Maurice initially denies the accusations but eventually reveals his true malevolent nature. In a final confrontation, Philip sets a trap for Maurice using the puppet. When Maurice attempts to attack Philip, thinking he has the upper hand, Philip burns down the house, killing Maurice and ostensibly destroying Possum once and for all. This ending signifies Philip's struggle to rid himself of his trauma. By destroying Maurice and the puppet, he metaphorically destroys the source of his trauma, suggesting a potential path to recovery and peace. However, the film leaves it ambiguous whether Philip truly escapes his past, as the final scenes show him still haunted by visions of the puppet, indicating that trauma's effects may be enduring.