A confused script with sexual and social overtones is hampered by Waris Hussein's flat direction, insipid dialog,and blank supporting performances. The near-incestuous relationship between Norah (Maclaine) and Joel(Perry King)is more distracting than illuminating and this is one of those thrillers where the characters always make the wrong decision in the face of danger. Maclaine's Norah leaves her children in the care of their uncle Joel after she's signed him out of a psycho ward, and discovered his girlfriend's severed head! In order to escape she takes her children to an isolated beach house off season where there is no protection or people around? Like Child's Play and The Believers, The Possession of Joel Delaney uses urban voodoo to spook the audience. Released by Paramount without any fanfare, The Possession of Joel Delaney remains a forgotten title, and understandably so.
Review of The Possession of Joel Delaney
