Obsession (dir. Curry Barker)

By: Dave Hughes

Curry Barker has quickly emerged as one of the most promising new voices in horror. Last year, Barker released Milk & Serial (2024) on YouTube to the immediate acclaim of genre fans. Despite its short runtime, the film possessed the DNA of a top-tier feature, anchored by a chilling antagonist and a narrative that kept its cards hidden until the final frames. That success left the horror community eager to see what Barker could accomplish with a feature-length budget and full creative control. With Obsession, which he wrote and directed, Barker firmly plants his flag in the genre, proving exactly what happens when a bold new talent is given the room to run. 

The premise of Obsession may feel familiar to seasoned audiences, but Barker introduces enough narrative wrinkles to keep the experience fresh. Michael Johnston (Teen Wolf) stars as Bear, a man harboring a long-standing unrequited crush on his co-worker, Nikki. In a performance by Inde Navarrette (Superman & Lois) that stands as one of the most memorable of the year, Nikki becomes the catalyst for the film's descent into chaos. Attempting to force a connection, Bear utilizes a "One Wish Willow," a small stick promised to grant wishes in permanence, that he uses it to ensure Nikki reciprocates his feelings. The wish works, but with terrifying efficacy. Nikki’s affection quickly mutates into an obsession. As she becomes increasingly unhinged, Bear is forced to navigate the escalating danger of a reality he manufactured. He is left to wonder just how far she is willing to go.

There is no question that this will be the film that establishes Inde Navarrette as a star. This is her breakout role and she runs with it. When her character, Nikki, is first introduced, she is fun, charming, and personable. However, once she is possessed by the power of the wish and her darker side emerges, it becomes increasingly clear how terrifying she can be. The audience feels an incredible sense of unease whenever she is in the frame because her actions are so unpredictable. Viewers may find parallels between her performance and those of Mia Goth in Pearl (2022) or Toni Collette in Hereditary(2018). Both films clearly serve as major influences for Navarrette, and her performance is right up there with those iconic roles. Michael Johnston plays the complicated role of Bear, a role that may frustrate some viewers because of his shortcomings and willingness to manipulate those around him. Bear is portrayed as someone so desperate for love that he pursues it regardless of the cost. This performance effectively captures the character's selfishness, making the consequences of his wish feel earned as the plot spirals out of control.

Obsession tackles the themes of codependency and toxic relationships through supernatural elements. Both characters are dysfunctional in their own ways, and when they are brought together through this wish, it creates a violent, bloody tale that will surprise some with how far it is willing to challenge the audience. Barker’s message here is clear and concise: relationships can quickly become toxic when boundaries and ground rules are not established for the sake of both parties. Barker uses the elements of the supernatural as a metaphor for these dysfunctions to show what damage can be done. It is a powerful message that establishes this as one of the best horror films of the year.

Target Score: 9/10 Obsession is not just one of the best horror films of the year; it is one of the best overall movies released this year regardless of genre. It announces the arrival of Curry Barker as a filmmaker with a poignant message regarding human companionship, as well as the terrifying reality of what happens when that companionship becomes toxic and downright deadly.