Possum 2018
"Can you spy him deep within? Little possum. Black as sin."
Matthew Holness's 2018 psychological horror-drama thriller Possum follows Philip, a disgraced children's puppeteer who retreats to his dilapidated childhood home after his career collapses under the weight of public scandal.
Director: Matthew Holness
Cast
Sean Harris
Philip
Alun Armstrong
Maurice
Andy Blithe
Michael's Father
Ryan Enever
Michael's Uncle
Charlie Eales
Michael
Joe Gallucci
Lee
Rohan Gotobed
Andrew
Raphel Famotibe
Simon
Simon Bubb
Mr. Evans
Katie Lightfoot
Mrs. Atwood
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Possum (2018) about?
Possum (2018) centers on Philip, a disgraced children's puppeteer who returns to his neglected childhood home after a public scandal ruins his career. There, he is forced to confront his cruel, abusive stepfather and the decades of repressed trauma he has spent his whole life trying to escape, as the line between his disturbing puppet creations and his real-life horrors grows increasingly thin. The film blends slow-burn psychological dread with sharp, unsettling thrills to tell its story of buri
Who directed Possum?
Possum was directed by Matthew Holness, best known for his work on the cult British comedy series The Mighty Boosh, who brings his signature off-kilter, unsettling tone to this psychological horror project.
Who stars in Possum?
The film's lead cast includes Sean Harris as the tormented puppeteer Philip, Alun Armstrong as his sadistic stepfather, alongside supporting performances from Andy Blithe, Ryan Enever, and Charlie Eales.
Is Possum (2018) worth watching?
Possum (2018) is absolutely worth watching for fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror that prioritizes mood and emotional depth over cheap jump scares. While it holds an unrated IMDb score, its tight runtime, strong central performance from Sean Harris, and unflinching exploration of repressed trauma make it a standout entry in 2010s British horror, even if its bleak tone is not for every viewer.
How long is Possum?
Possum has a tight 85-minute runtime, making it a quick, tightly paced watch that never drags despite its heavy, somber themes.
🎥 Trailer
About Possum (2018) — Haunting Psychological Horror From Matthew Holness
Matthew Holness's 2018 psychological horror-drama thriller Possum follows Philip, a disgraced children's puppeteer who retreats to his dilapidated childhood home after his career collapses under the weight of public scandal. Forced to confront his sadistic, overbearing stepfather, played by Alun Armstrong, Philip is thrust back into the traumatic memories he has spent his entire adult life trying to outrun, as the line between his disturbing puppet creations and the very real horrors of his past begins to blur completely. Sean Harris delivers a raw, unflinching central performance, anchoring the film's suffocating, gothic atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
Balancing slow-burn psychological dread with sharp, unsettling thrills, Possum leans into themes of repressed guilt, intergenerational abuse, and the way childhood trauma can fester into something monstrous if left unaddressed. The tight 85-minute runtime ensures the tension never wavers, while a strong supporting cast including Andy Blithe, Ryan Enever, and Charlie Eales adds texture to Philip's unraveling world. Fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror that prioritizes mood and emotional weight over jump scares will find Possum (2018) a haunting, thought-provoking watch that rewards close attention.
