Evil Finds the Perfect Host in “THE CONTAINMENT” (2025)

Courtesy of Level 33 Entertainment

Possession horror movies have always been one of those enjoyable sub-genres that refuses to die. I have watched it evolve from the slow burning dread of classic films like “The Exorcist” into modern day jump scare fueled chaos like “The Conjuring.” No matter how many times a demon crawls into someone’s soul or some ancient essence takes over someone’s body, I still keep coming back. There is something deeply unsettling about watching a human being lose control of their own body. It taps into a fear that feels far more personal than monsters or slashers ever could. Being a prisoner in our own bodies while we watch something dark take the wheel is a valid fear. When done right, possession movies make me question faith, family, and whether any of us are really in charge when something darker decides to knock on the door

Recently I had a chance to dim the lights, say a prayer, and enjoy the new possession horror movie “The Containment.” This new movie from Level 33 Entertainment is a supernatural horror story directed by Jack Zagha Kababie and Yossy Zagha Kababie. It was co written with David Desola. It stars Gia Hunter as Caroline Cobbler, with Jack Gouldbourne, Charlotte Hunter, and Fernanda Romero rounding out the cast.

“The Containment” focuses on Caroline Cobbler, a young woman whose life has been cracked open by tragedy. After the death of her disabled father, something inside her breaks in a way that no one around her fully understands, manifesting itself into something darker the people in her life are not prepared for. Grief in possession movies is never just emotional. It becomes a vulnerable doorway for anything sinister to stroll in. Of course, Caroline’s pain becomes the perfect invitation for something dark and patient. The script does a wonderful job letting that sorrow slowly infect every scene, giving the possession a deeper emotional foundation.

A premise like this is why I walked into “The Containment” already knowing what kind of movie it wanted to be. This is not a reinvention of the usual possession genre, and it never pretends that it is trying to be. It plays by the rules that fans like me already know. There is grief, a broken family, a sinister force, and a church that may or may not be able to stop what is coming for them. What surprised me is how comfortable the movie is with that formula and makes you feel like it isn’t forced. The writing understands the genre so well that it never feels lost, even when it is following familiar beats.

Gia Hunter gives a performance that keeps Caroline grounded even when the story goes supernatural. I never stopped seeing her as a real person, which is the most important thing in a movie like this. When the demon starts taking over, the physical changes are disturbing, but it is the emotional distance that hits harder for the audience and the character. That balance is something the writing and direction work together to support, allowing the character to feel tragic instead of just frightening. That being said, there are moments the acting of her character dwindled, but overall, I can’t say that I still was not impressed for the most part.

One of the most memorable details in “The Containment” is the beetle tattoo that appears on Caroline’s body as part of the possession. It is such a strange and oddly beautiful mark that makes the story stronger. It becomes a visual reminder that something has claimed her. The cinematography lingers on it in just the right way, letting it feel symbolic without beating the audience over the head with its meaning. It also moves several times, which adds an extra creep factor.

Courtesy of Level 33 Entertainment

When Caroline and her mother turn to the church for help, the movie shifts into familiar territory, but it never feels tired. The supporting cast brings a lot of personality to these scenes. Jack Gouldbourne, Charlotte Hunter, and Fernanda Romero all add texture to the story, making the world around Caroline feel alive. The direction keeps these tame, yet terrifying moments grounded. This really helped the supernatural elements feel more believable.

One of the biggest surprises in the movie comes from a moment of humor that lands perfectly. When someone asks Sister Esperanza (portrayed by Fernanda Romero) to perform an exorcism, she responds with the line, “I’m a nun……what do you expect me to do.” It is hilarious, but it also feels honest. That kind of writing gives the movie a spark of personality that many possession movies forget to include.

That balance between horror and light humor keeps “The Containment” from becoming too heavy or even take itself too seriously. The filmmakers know when to let a scene breathe and when to push the tension, which shows a confident hand behind the camera. A horror audience wants to be lead, and not have their hand held with soft gloves. We want to be guided but at the same time not have everything explained. Thankfully “The Containment” sticks the landing when it comes to this.

Courtesy of Level 33 Entertainment

I wouldn’t be fully doing my job if I didn’t mention the cinematography of “The Containment.” Visually, the movie embraces shadows and confined spaces. It makes sense given the title. There is a feeling that Caroline is trapped inside her own body. The cinematography often frames her in ways that make her feel isolated, even when she is not alone. That visual language quietly reinforces the theme of being overtaken by something unseen. Not only that, but there is clearly a dark fog around everything with the filtering of the movie, making you feel the dark presence that is possessing her around everyone always.

The story follows a familiar path, but it does throw in a surprise twist near the end that I did not see coming. I will not spoil it, but it adds a layer of depth to the characters that deepens everything that came before it. The way it is written and directed makes the twist feel earned rather than cheap. There is nothing better than a great twist at the end of a horror movie that makes you want to give it a rewatch, and “The Containment” does have the potential for that.

At its core, “The Containment” is very much a garden variety possession movie. It has all the beats you expect. There are eerie signs, violent outbursts, desperate prayers, and a final confrontation with something truly evil. It does not try to break the mold, and honestly, it does not need to. What it does instead is execute those elements with a steady hand and clear creative vision. It pays an homage to the possession movies that came before it in some aspects, but it provides its own flair for the audience.

Courtesy of Level 33 Entertainment

What makes this movie work is the sincerity behind it and the performances feel honest. The writing gives the characters real emotional stakes. The direction keeps the story focused, and the cinematography adds a layer of quiet dread that lingers long after certain scenes end. “The Containment” also doesn’t skimp on the horror, as there we’re a few moments that had me squirming in my seat.

I also appreciated how the movie handles faith. It does not paint the church as all powerful, and it does not dismiss it either. It shows people struggling to understand what is happening and trying to find meaning in the middle of chaos. That thoughtful approach comes through in the script and in the way the scenes are staged. The way the church doesn’t immediately come to the rescue as if the Pope sent up a “Bat Signal” is quite refreshing. It feels like there is more depth there with the fact that they don’t want to provide any help at first.

“The Containment” may not reinvent the genre, but it knows how to entertain. It has creepy visuals, a strong lead performance, memorable lines, and just enough originality to stand out. The beetle tattoo, the unexpected humor, and the final twist all give it its own identity within a crowded field.

Courtesy of Level 33 Entertainment

For fans of possession horror, this movie is a solid addition to the genre. It feels like something you can watch on a dark night and get exactly what you came for. It is unsettling, emotional, and just a little bit fun in a way that only this genre can be. I would give this a solid 4 out of 5. It is a must see and one I feel my fellow horror fans will enjoy on the big screen.

“The Containment” is currently exclusively in theaters across the United States and Canada, making it the perfect time to experience this haunting possession story on the big screen before the spooky season we horror fans eagerly look forward to.

Whether it’s slashers in the woods, ghosts in the attic, or killers in the cornfield, ILHM Reviews brings you the frightful horror flick recommendations worth watching. Follow us on Instagram, be sure to listen to the the "I Love Horror" podcast and remember that if you’re a true fan of horror, every night can be a FRIGHT NIGHT!