Curry Barker’s OBSESSION Is the Horror Film of the Year

Love can be a crazy thing, and there’s never been a wilder example of that and “be careful what you wish for” than in Curry Barker’s Obsession. It’s a film that gets under your skin with the wild places it goes to, while leaving you sinking into your seat at the absurd awkwardness as you descend into a toxic relationship.

Bear (Michael Johnston) is an awkward guy with a huge crush on his coworker Nikki (Inde Navarrette). The two are very close, but he can’t find the courage to tell her how he truly feels, doomed to be friend-zoned for the rest of his life.

One day, he goes into a magic shop and purchases a “One Wish Willow” trinket that promises to grant him a single wish. Of course, Bear uses it to wish that Nikki would love him more than anyone else in the world. And he’s delighted, and then horrified, to realize his wish has come true.

What was most unexpected in this film was how funny it was, but don’t consider this a horror comedy. The comedy is almost there to comfort you through some of its darkest, most maniacal moments. But it does have genuine wit in its script that showcases how Barker balances dueling tones so well.

Though don’t be disarmed by the humor. The film goes to disturbing places in order to show a very exaggerated example of a codependent relationship. It’s so deeply unsettling with things that genuinely creeped me out. And I love how Barker plays with darkness and silhouettes to obscure the frights, almost ripping Nikki out of the “dream girl” persona into something almost demonic.

And even though Bear experiences some pretty horrifying things, he also refuses to acknowledge and take accountability for the fact that something is not right and he’s to blame. And there’s, of course, a larger part to the conversation on someone feeling that they are owed the affection of another, especially if they’re a “nice guy,” and how that also taps into consent and Nikki losing her autonomy as a person.

It’s also such an impressive theatrical debut from Barker, who, before this, had done several short films and then his horror film Milk & Serial (available on YouTube). The young filmmaker had certainly spent that time honing his impeccable style, culminating so wonderfully with this film.

There’s this lovely retro atmosphere to the film that gives it an almost nostalgic feel of the 80s and 90s. And with an unnerving ambient score, it adds so much more to the film in terms of aesthetics and this overall sense of unease.

But all that style would mean nothing without a compelling story, which the film certainly has. And the biggest part of that story is the character Nikki, who is fully brought to life by the unrestrained performance of Inde Navarrett. Her portrayal of Nikki is so complex, as she’s able to go from a very cool, confident person to wild extremes of desperation. The physicality and chaoticness are what make so much of this film frightening, and she does an exceptional job.

Obsession was undoubtedly one of the best theater experiences I’ve had this year. It’s a simple premise on paper, but so wonderfully executed. And Barker shines, cementing himself as a horror filmmaker to watch for, thanks to his wildly original ideas and delectable style.

Obsession hits theaters on May 15