“Obsession” directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker released in theaters on May 15, 2026. The indie film was Barker’s first major studio and theatrical directorial debut. Since its release, the film has grossed over $148 million despite having a budget of only $750,000.
The film centers around its main character Bear (Baron) who’s in love with his childhood friend, Nikki Freeman. When he realizes he is too afraid to admit his feelings to her, he uses a One Wish Willow, a novelty item that claims to grant one wish in the movie’s universe. He wishes that “Nikki Freeman loved [him] more than anyone in the f***ing world.”
The story then devolves into a horror, as he gets exactly what he wished for. The two of them start a relationship, As her actions become more and more unhinged, and Bear pulls away, Nikki becomes violent, willing to go any length to keep his love. Bear seemingly oblivious to the fact that it was the wish causing her behavior.
This premise seems simple enough, and one might go into the theater expecting a crazy-girlfriend slasher horror. However, the film itself is much more disturbing than that, and it prompts a very interesting conversation about the concept of autonomy and love. The wish that Bear makes doesn’t change how Nikki actually feels, instead, what seems like another spirit possesses her and makes her lose control of her own body. The movie’s director Curry Barker portrays these themes very well. His background in satire content gave the movie comedy elements, which made the story seem even more bizarre.
Production uses a lot of interesting lighting techniques that raise tension even during calm scenes. In certain parts you only see Nikki’s silhouette while she’s talking. It kind of puts a twist on the usual “don’t show your monster” method in horror movies. You know it’s Nikki, but you can’t see her exact expressions very well, not knowing what her intentions while speaking are. The movie also uses different editing techniques, like speeding up or reversing Nikki’s movement to create an uncanny valley effect.
“Obsession” was filmed in only less than 30 days in Los Angeles, and it still manages to deliver amazing performances from both of the leads. Inde Navarrete, the actress that plays Nikki Freeman, has received global recognition for her role, and for good reason. Her ability to depict Nikki’s gradual deterioration throughout the movie, and then completely lose it at the end is phenomenal. There are scenes where it looks like the real Nikki snaps back and gets control over her body, and she immediately starts screaming saying things along the lines of “It’s not me!” Navarrete shifts between real Nikki and obsessed Nikki seamlessly in intense scenes. She also brings just enough camp to the horror, with her crazy facial expressions and almost inhuman screams.
Michael Johnston is equally impressive as Bear. He depicts his character’s anxiety and desperation while still making you hate him. His fear during the entire movie makes the audience almost equally anxious, as if always expecting something to happen. He brings enough sympathy for the audience to understand him, but clearly see his flaws. As Bear becomes increasingly terrified by the consequences of his wish, the audience shares his fears simultaneously. The chemistry between Johnston and Navarrete makes the movie feel complete. Their depiction of real friendship at the start feels so genuine, which makes its collapse really sad to watch. The audience can tell they are even terrified by their own performances.
Through the whole cast’s performance, effective cinematography, and Curry Barker’s mix of satire and horror, “Obsession” succeeds as an entertaining film that creates thought provoking character study. Despite the film’s limited resources during production, it doesn’t feel cheap. It’s clear that the creators and actors put a lot of heart into it, and what resulted was an amazing original story. It shows the consequences of trying to control another person’s emotions. Viewers will end the movie sympathizing with Nikki, condemning Bear, and even debating the movie’s morality; they are unlikely to leave the theater without something to think about.
Final rating: 10/10
