Michael King (Shane Johnson) is a family man with a beautiful wife, smart young daughter, and even a dog. Nothing but goodness. That is until a day in the park ends in tragedy. His wife, Samantha (Cara Pifko) is hit by a car while attempting to put change in the meter and dies. Michael, now a single dad slips into an angry state of obsession over the after life. God, the Devil, and what they stand for. Setting up cameras all over the house, Michael calls out both and challenges their existence. The idea of the cameras is that if anything happens, day or night, it can be caught on video.
Of course, going after the Devil is easier than God, so Michael begins talking with Demonologist, Devil Worshipers, amateur necromancers and the like. At first, nothing really happens, but when Michael, frustrated, calls out to Satan, “Come and get me!” he leaves himself open…and something is definitely coming in. Michael sinks deeper and deeper into his own hell and others begin to pay the price including his sister Beth (Julie McNiven) and his daughter Ellie (Ella Anderson).
The Possession of Michael King is a dark film. It goes certain places that are uncomfortable and the entire premise is bleak. This is not a bad thing, just warning you that if you think you are going to get the usual found footage nonsense, be warned, this film packs a punch. It has something to say and wants you to hear it. Unlike most found footage films, this is well-acted and the camera moves with purpose. Director David Jung gets the most out of the story and his talent, pulling together a film with good scares and thought provoking subject matter.
In the end, The Possession of Michael King is the story of obsession and possession, of loss and madness. It questions what lies beyond and more importantly, it questions our desire to know. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled is convincing the world he didn’t exist. The Possession of Michael King explores the consequences of calling the red angels bluff.
