A new five-episode horror series titled “Possession” uses supernatural elements to explore the lingering impacts of British colonialism on Jamaica. Created by Karla Crome and directed by Storm Saulter, the show stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Claudia McKenzie, a mixed-race lawyer sent to Jamaica to investigate a disputed inheritance claim on a historic plantation estate. The narrative weaves between contemporary Kingston and the plantation’s brutal past, examining how historical injustices continue to haunt the present day.
Mbatha-Raw delivers a compelling performance as Claudia, whose perspective on colonial history transforms throughout the series. She is supported by standout work from Sheldon Shepherd, who plays dual roles spanning different time periods, and Bel Powley, whose portrayal of a colonial-era antagonist proves particularly chilling. The ensemble cast brings depth to a story that explores themes of ownership, control, and intergenerational trauma while incorporating elements of Caribbean spiritual traditions into its horror framework.
Cinematographer Pedro Cardillo captures Jamaica’s vibrant energy and lush landscapes, grounding the supernatural narrative in a tangible, lived-in setting. The series deliberately engages with discussions of reparations and justice, positioning inherited wealth and historical wrongs at the heart of its plot. By blending genre storytelling with substantive thematic content, “Possession” emerges as a sophisticated examination of how the past refuses to remain buried.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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