The Scariest Thing About "Obsession" Isn’t the Supernatural...

If you haven't been living under a rock this week you have probably caught wind of a new indie horror taking the country by storm. And if you keep up with the world of film you've probably been hearing about this movie since TIFF last September. I am of course referring to Curry Barker's Obsession, a film that despite a meager budget of $1 million has managed to beat several blockbusters at the box office this past week. So what is it about this small Blumhouse feature that has captured the attention of the film world and beyond? Is it really something special or just another flavor of the week indie horror?

Obsession centers around Baron "Bear" Bailey who finds himself hopelessly in love with his co-worker and childhood friend, Nikki. Fearing he will never work up the courage to tell her, Bear purchases a "One Wish Willow" a novelty toy stick that claims to grant the user's wish when broken. In a last ditch effort to win over his crush, Bear wishes for Nikki to fall in love with him. He snaps the stick in half and almost instantly finds himself as the object of Nikki's undying affection, but it's not long before the consequences of his wish rear their ugly head. Is it real love or is Nikki possessed by something much more sinister?

Acquired by Focus Features after TIFF 2025, Obsession truly is the indie darling that could. It is essentially The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs with a modern twist. It doesn't have the benefit of a star-studded cast or a giant budget so all of the acclaim you hear is out of a genuine love for the story and filmmaking behind it. The film is reminiscent of Osgood Perkins, especially Longlegs, with a very focused plot that deals with both human and supernatural terror, seamlessly blending the two. Not to mention is is beautifully shot by cinematographer, Taylor Clemons, making the film appear much less low-budget than it actually is.

The movie is led by Michael Johnston and Inde Navarette who give downright star-making performances, especially Navarette. Her ability to balance endearing with terrifying is genuinely so impressive and Johnston plays Bear with a relatability that gives the film a palpable sense of dread. I would expect to see a lot more of this cast in the coming years.

While the cinematography and performances are certainly something to write home about, the real standout of Obsession comes from the writing and the down-to-earth motivations of the protagonist. After all, who hasn't found themselves with a crippling crush at some time in their life? Someone who takes up every one of your waking thoughts but you just can't bring yourself to tell them out of fear that you'll embarrass yourself or ruin a friendship or etc. It's something that more of us can relate to than not. As an audience member, you can't help but root for Bear at the start, who wouldn't want to see this awkward quiet nerd get the girl of his dreams? But as Nikki starts to slip away more and more as the film continues, you can't help but question if Bear is a character who deserves your pity or well wishes. Sure, he's a person who has desires but so is Nikki and by putting her under this spell, Bear has erased any semblance of autonomy she had. While Nikki is the one physically possessed, the real horror comes from Bear's audacity to keep this woman to himself, removing all of her individuality for his own satisfaction. Obsession is a film where the true villain is brilliantly hidden in plain sight. Bear certainly didn't start out as the antagonist but became one due to his blatant disregard for the consequences of his actions.

Obsession's success both critically and commercially has served as a beacon of hope for independent film these past few weeks. Unsurprisingly, I can't wait to see what Curry Barker and company do next.