★★★★½
Obsession, the newest offering by Curry Barker, leans into the age‑old warning to be careful what you wish for, delivering an unexpected fusion of romance/horror that challenges the viewer’s assumptions about the nature of fixation.
The film follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a music store employee who stumbles upon a supernatural toy and uses it to wish for the unwavering affection of his longtime crush, Nikki (Inde Navarette).
What Bear fails to anticipate are the brutal realities of genuine obsession, and the escalating horrors that follow.
Barker crafts a loving homage to 1990s horror tropes, meticulously recreating the era through shooting locations, costume design, lighting, lens choices, props, and casting.
For much of the film, these elements convincingly transport the viewer straight into the mid ‘90s. Only the occasional glimpse of modern technology betrays its contemporary setting.
He proves himself an expert in safety beats, seamlessly shifting into brighter lighting and consonant sound design to lull his audience into a familiar false sense of security before unleashing the next major scare.
The casting in Obsession is nothing short of exceptional. Michael Johnston (Slash, Teen Wolf) delivers a pitch‑perfect performance as Bear, capturing the character’s awkward, jittery, highly strung nature with remarkable nuance.
Inde Navarette (13 Reasons Why, Superman & Lois) is an undeniable standout. Her ability to contort and transform her facial expressions, physicality, and vocal tone is genuinely haunting, making her possession feel disturbingly real.
Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless, as Ian and Sarah, embody the roles of concerned friends with effortless authenticity, their grounded performances amplifying the intensity and brilliance of the lead cast.
While the horror genre isn’t typically associated with overt political or social commentary, Barker weaves a surprisingly thoughtful thread throughout the film, exploring themes of consent and co‑dependency with unsettling precision.
In the current social climate, this underlying commentary feels timely and refreshing, offering an unexpected lens through which to view these pressing social issues.
Barker’s choice to embed such ideas within a romance/horror framework adds an intriguing complexity to the film, elevating it beyond genre convention.
Ultimately, Obsession stands as a striking reminder of how inventive the horror genre can be when guided by a filmmaker willing to take risks. Barker blends nostalgia, craftsmanship, and thematic weight with impressive confidence, delivering a film that is as unsettling as it is unexpectedly thoughtful.
Anchored by standout performances and a meticulous aesthetic, Obsession offers both genre fans and newcomers something genuinely fresh. It’s a film that impresses visually, emotionally, and intellectually.
Obsession is available now to rent on major streaming platforms including Apple TV, Prime Video, Foxtel Store, YouTube, Google TV, Fetch and Sky NZ.
Website: https://rialtodistribution.com/film/obsession/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/obsessionthemovie/ and https://www.instagram.com/rialtodistributionau/
Watch the trailer here:
Film details:
Title: Obsession
Director: Curry Barker
Cast: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson
Country of Origin: USA
Duration: 108 mins
Rating: MA 15+
