The Possession of Joel Delaney 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Possession of Joel Delaney 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 17, 2025

1972’s “The Possession of Joel Delaney” is an adaptation of a 1970 novel by Ramona Stewart, examining the panic of a woman trying to make sense of her little brother’s sudden violent decline, approaching the unreal to acquire answers. Screenwriters Irene Kamp and Matt Robinson are challenged to find some sense of reality for the genre picture, while director Waris Hussein is left to sell the literary ride, making detailed, internalized despair into a cinematic offering capable of frightening viewers. “The Possession of Joel Delaney” has a certain cinematic presence during its first half, and the story’s investigation into class and cultural divide is potentially interesting. Sadly, good work to build up this world of fear is basically destroyed in the final act, which gives in to needless cruelty and absurdity, on the hunt for a level of shock value the rest of the feature does just fine without.

Joel (Perry King) has come back to New York City after spending time in Morocco, welcomed home by his doting big sister, Norah (Shirley MacLaine), who’s eager to return the pair to their everyday life of luxury and comfort. However, all is not well with Joel, who begins exhibiting signs of violence, leading him to a stay in a psychiatric hospital. Norah believes therapy, hosted by her friend Ericka (Lovelady Powell), will lead to a breakthrough, but Joel’s issues go much deeper, into a “dark side.” When Joel’s girlfriend, Sherry (Barbara Trentham), ends up brutally murdered, Norah elects to research the possibilities than her brother was responsible for the crime, entering the Puerto Rican experience in NYC, learning more about serial killer Tonio and the brutality he shares with her sibling. Norah seeks help from Don Pedro (Edmundo Rivera Alvarez), a Santeria priest who believes Joel and Tonio are connected in a most unexpected way.

Norah lives a life of comfort and control, using aid from housekeeper Veronica (Mirim Colon) to keep her days running along without much personal participation, including the raising of her children, Peter (David Benson) and Carrie (Lisa Kohane). It’s a fascinating arc for the character, who’s been burned by personal loss and a divorce, electing to distance herself from most responsibilities as she participates in the NYC social scene, only really caring for the wellbeing of Joel. The little brother has his own bohemian ways, forced into the role of a wealthy young man when his interests lie elsewhere, creating a tale of clashing lives that were once united as a family.

Violence eventually enters “The Possession of Joel Delaney,” as the eponymous character begins to crack, showing signs of a mental breakdown Norah believes can be cured through therapy. The material explores this unrest, which is dusted with some uneasy sexual energy between the siblings, and when a dead body arrives, the tale goes into detective mode, following Norah as she learns more about brutality and NYC crime. The tale knocks on the walls that divide communities, sending Norah and her upper crust ways to Spanish Harlem, endeavoring to understand the story of Tonio and his viciousness. Hussein aims to amplify such creeping hostility, putting the character in a bold white outfit as she experiences a part of town foreign to her sensibilities, exposing herself for the sake of her brother. Again, “The Possession of Joel Delaney” achieves interesting dramatic avenues to explore, and there’s wonderful atmosphere during this exploratory section of the feature, following Norah into Don Pedro’s world, confronted with cultural and religious intensity that rattles her elite ways.

The Possession of Joel Delaney 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"The Possession of Joel Delaney" makes its UHD debut courtesy of Vinegar Syndrome, who present the film in "Dolby Vision HDR and newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative." The viewing experience retains a wonderfully film-like appearance, delivering heavy grain that's nicely resolved. Detail is capable, inspecting wintery period clothing and the textures of city life as the characters visit apartments and businesses. Skin particulars are defined, exploring differences in ages and glamour, also exposing the limitations of the special effects work in the picture. Exteriors around New York City are dimensional, providing a sense of neighborhood activity. Interiors are open for inspection, with plenty of decorative additions to study. Color is secure, capturing the cooler presence of a wintery NYC and its concrete displays. Warmer hues register during domestic interactions, and more vivid looks at lighting and period style are intact. Hair color is also distinct. Skin tones are natural. Blacks are deep, preserving shadowy events. Highlights are tasteful. Source is in good condition.

The Possession of Joel Delaney 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix leads with defined dialogue exchanges, which handle the hushed emotionality of "The Possession of Joel Delaney," and its argumentative moments. Scoring supports with clear instrumentation, going from dramatic moods to more cultural sounds. Atmospherics are appreciable, along with sound effects.

The Possession of Joel Delaney 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• "The Believer" (16:30, HD) is an interview with director Waris Hussein, who developed his skills at the BBC, approached by actress Shirley MacLaine for work on "The Possession of Joel Delaney," responding to his young attitude. Suddenly sent to New York City without a script, Hussein was confronted with the class relationships of the area, helping to inform the project while the writers added their own takes on the themes of the film. The interviewee goes into the particulars of the possession sequence, striving to maintain real details and intensity to the moment. Casting is analyzed, identifying the unusual ways of MacLaine, who personally introduced the incestual elements of the tale. King's hiring was largely based on looks. The horror elements of "The Possession of Joel Delaney" are identified, and it's initial critical and commercial performance is recalled, as Hussein believes the picture is "misunderstood."

• "Hex and the City" (13:52, HD) joins host Michael Gingold as he tours the New York City locations for "The Possession of Joel Delaney." Bits and pieces of production history are also shared during the featurette.

• "Twin Spirits" (11:24, HD) is a video essay by film historian Kelly Goodner.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:04, HD) is included.

The Possession of Joel Delaney 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Some level of suspense builds in the first half of "The Possession of Joel Delaney," which finds MacLaine capturing the frustration of Norah as her habitual demands and order are disrupted by the unexplained and the underprivileged. And there's Erika, who suggests trauma is at the root of Joel's problems. However, this is a genre feature, and Joel isn't just having a bad day. He's in contact with something evil, triggering a lengthy "exorcism" sequence that's meant to overwhelm the audience, and it all leads to a showdown inside a vacation home. The climax basically destroys the picture, turning to the torture and humiliation of children to pull a reaction out of viewers, and Hussein lovingly details such misery. It's a sequence of bad taste and prolonged ridiculousness that almost seems like it's from a different movie, leading to a wholly unsatisfying conclusion. "The Possession of Joel Delaney" goes from subtle to schlock before the end credits roll, making for a disappointing viewing experience, especially for a premise that appears ready for a mysterious cinematic inspection of powerlessness.