Whoa
Imagine it. You are at a wedding celebrating the happy union of a couple. It’s time to cut the cake, and the lights go out. When they come back on the groom is dead, and the bride is covered in blood holding a bloody knife. Who did it? In Possessions, a new show on HBO Max, that is the mystery. Who killed Eran, and why? A Multi-lingual psychological thriller and murder mystery Possessions will take you on a wild ride that will make you question everything, and trust no one. While previously released in France and Israel last year, Possessions is out on HBO Max today. Here is my review.
Possessions
I have so many thoughts about Possessions. First, I love to watch subtitled foreign films. Especially mysteries because I feel listening/watching the actors and having to read the subtitles adds to the suspense. (There are 3 languages mainly spoken in Possessions. Hebrew, French, and English.) Second, Bravo. The writing and acting in Possessions are superb. The story is sad, thrilling, slightly scary, full of mystery, etc. (Even the name of the show alludes to multiple things.) I could go on and on. Usually, when I watch a murder mystery movie/show I can tell who did it pretty quickly, but Possessions kept me guessing and when the reveal happened I was stunned. (It all makes sense though, but at the same time it doesn’t.)
The Writing/Story
I have not watched anything by Shachar Magen before Possessions, but I am going to go back and watch all of his other works. The writing/storytelling in Possessions is just amazing. A true murder mystery story should draw you in, confuse you, and really make you think. If not done correctly then readers/viewers will be able to tell quickly who did it, and why. In Possessions right when you think you have figured the whole mystery out Shachar flips everything on its head and throws in a curveball, and you are left trying to piece everything together again. (ARGH! Haha!)
The Acting
But let’s add another layer to it. You can have a great story, but it can be ruined by terrible actors. That is not the case with Possessions. Every single actor in Possessions is perfect for their role. Nadia Tereszkiewicz as Natalie gives nothing away. Her facial expressions are stone-cold yet full of so many emotions. You can totally understand why everyone is drawn to her. As for Reda Kateb as Karim. I just want to give him a hug. Haha! I feel his concern for Natalie and I understand why he wants to protect her. TchĂ©ky Karyo as the father Yoel took me for a loop and made me question my detective abilities. I could go on, but I won’t so you can go watch the show. Haha!
My Rating
Possessions is a binge-worthy show and I give it an A+. I really look forward to seeing more from Shachar Magen. Even if foreign or subtitled films are not your thing I really hope you will give Possessions a try. Possessions also stars Dominique Valadié, Ariane Ascaride, Judith Chemla, Noa Koler, Aloïse Sauvage, and Tzahi Grad.
Show Synopsis
The series tells the story of Natalie, a young French expatriate in Israel, is charged with the murder of her husband on their wedding night. Karim, a French diplomat in charge of helping French citizens who have to deal with the Israeli authorities, slowly falls for Natalie. He cannot figure out whether the young lady is deeply lost and vulnerable, or dangerously manipulative. Obsessed with this case, Karim will dive into Natalie and her family’s mysterious past.
I just watched the series and enjoyed it too. I am assuming there will need to be a season two as there are unexplained issues – particularly related to the two older women who are friends. I thought the female police office was great. I have watched a number of Israeli shows. I have seen the male cop in a few other series. I thought the cinematography was very well done too.
Thank you for reading and for your comment! I would love a season 2, but I feel it might be hard story-wise for them to pull it off. While the two mothers had unresolved issues they seemed to wrap up the story nicely. I guess only time will tell! 🙂
I thought the show was very well done too. A season two will be necessary as there are many unexplained issues – particularly related to the two mothers who are friends. I thought the female police officer was terrific. And I agree, Natalie and Karim were very good too. I kept thinking Natalie looked like a young Cameron Diaz. I have seen the male police officer in a few Israeli movies and shows.
The cinematography was excellent as well.
Rubbish ending with no result. Waste of time
What do you think would have been a good ending? Personally, I think it would have been cool if Natalie thought she had gotten herself out of the situation (like in her mind), but in the end, the man in the coma (her “husband”) woke up. Then in a second season, they could have delved into a cat and mouse game again. (Shrugs) Thanks for reading and commenting!