Possession

Ultimate Picture Palace is screening Andrzej Żuławski's Possession (1981) on Friday 23 October, at 8.45pm. It's a European psychological horror starring Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill, and it runs for 127 minutes. It's rated 18, so keep that in mind if you're bringing anyone along.

The story starts with Anna leaving her family without explanation. Her husband suspects an affair, but the truth turns out to be far stranger than a simple betrayal. It's a film that earns its title, and the psychological tension builds into something quite different from your usual domestic drama.

There's a bit of history behind it, too. Possession was banned on its first UK release. It arrived at Cannes in 1982 as part of a competition that pitted two Eastern European masters against each other: while Andrzej Wajda's somber Man of Iron took the Palme d'Or, the work of his former protégé, Żuławski, followed a very different path. The film is still remembered as the 'loser' of that unofficial duel, though it's since found its own place as a cult favourite.

It's a long one, so settle in for the full 127 minutes. The screening is at UPP in Oxford, starting at 8.45pm on Friday 23 October, with an 18 certificate.