SPOILER DISCUSSION

1. I love the compositions in this movie, especially when Nora (possessed) talks to Dr. Rossini and gushes over her romantic first encounter with Luz. From the subtle way a girl pukes in the background while Luz stares forward to the ornate decoration around Margarita during the séance, each of these moments is beautiful. I hope Singer’s next movie has a higher budget so he can make a visual stunner filled with moments like these. He and his cinematographer, Paul Faltz, clearly have an eye for stunners and I’m excited to see what he makes next.

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2.The idea that a demonic entity could fall in love with someone for speaking sacrilege is such an interesting idea that I’m shocked that I haven’t seen it done before. The way Nora goes on and on about her and Luz’s first encounter like it was a first date is so strange because it introduces a point of view in regards to such ceremonies that’s never explored- that of the supernatural. I’ve never bothered to really ask why a demonic presence would want to possess someone so badly outside of the typical needing a host or wanting to be “evil”, so this new perspective really shakes things up in a genuine way that demonstrates a duality to the idea of possession.

3. The scene between Nora and Dr. Rossini where the demonic spirit goes from the former to the latter is astounding. The way Rossini contorts his body like he’s going through a seizure is completely believable and gives the previously sweet words of the demon a nefarious context. I love how the music gets increasingly loud and then becomes subdued and distant as soon as the spirit orb (?) gets shoved down Rossini’s throat. It’s like the context and energy of Nora is literally being transported into him giving the possession an auditory energy that’s unique compared to other takes on the idea.

4. Rossini’s transformation into a “female form” is absolutely unexpected and terrifying at the same time. The casual way he/she (supernatural possession changes the pronoun game in confusing ways) stabs the inside of their nose to get blood to then use as a kind of ghastly makeup gets me every time. It’s disturbing and I can’t help but empathizing with the horrified Olarte who has to witness his companion transform in front of him.

5.The ending is stunning. As soon as Margarita kisses Luz, the possession scene between Nora and Rossini comes to mind, but the passionate way the transfer of spirit is portrayed reveals the duality of possession.

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It’s a loving scene, but it’s also terrifying because we know Luz is “gone”. When she leaves the interrogation room and slowly makes her way out, all we can hear is Olarte’s desperate pleas for someone to not let “it” out into the world. It’s distorted and crackly and makes the exit of Luz dramatic. As Bertillon goes back, it’s obvious she’s going to kill her former translator making good on the previously secret command she was given by the demon. A “bad” ending if you will that feels poetic given how the movie started, with Luz leaving the reception area.