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Running Time: 108 Minutes
Certification: 18
Starring: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter
Between Markiplier, the Philippou brothers, and Chris Stuckmann, there has been a rise in YouTubers directing horror films. The latest to make their mark is Curry Barker, part of the sketch comedy duo "that's a bad idea" who released his feature debut with 2024's creepy Milk & Serial. The 62-minute film was a viral sensation after being released onto YouTube, and led to much anticipation for his next film. With the release of Obsession, Curry Barker has made an unforgettable impression upon viewers.
The story follows Bear (Michael Johnston), who is in love with his childhood friend and co-worker, Nikki (Inde Navarrette). He struggles to voice his feelings for her, so instead breaks a "One Wish Willow" - a novelty toy which claims to grant a wish when broken. When Bear wishes that Nikki loved him more than anyone else, he is surprised when his crush begins showing a romantic interest in him. Things turn horrifying when Nikki's behaviour grows obsessive, leaving Bear regretful over making that wish.
What writer/director Barker brings together are many familiar tropes, touching upon ideas such as the "be careful what you wish for" nature of the monkey's paw, and the "forced romance" courtesy of a love potion. What makes it work so well is the way Barker fits these pieces together, bringing them alive into something which feels fresh. Take the protagonist, as we see from early on that Bear struggles to break out of his shell and convey his feelings. A lesser film would make him an endearing romantic who can do no wrong, but that is not the case here.
An early conversation has Bear questioning whether a romance and a love story are interchangeable terms, despite Nikki saying she would rather write one over the other. He puts Nikki on a pedestal, seeing her as an obtainable love interest regardless of how long he waits, while not above turning a situation to make himself the victim. He does not see Nikki as a real person with her own agency and wants, with the result being a fascinating take on control within a relationship. Perhaps this is the one situation where women won't choose the Bear.
Central to it is a terrific performance from Michael Johnston, capturing the protagonist's introverted nature alongside the pain and anguish as he experiences unimaginable consequences. However, Inde Navarrette is an undeniable revelation as Nikki. She gives a performance that keeps viewers on their toes all throughout, managing to unsettle with just a facial expression or a change in tone, leaving audiences fearful over what the character may do next. Like Isabelle Adjani in Possession or Toni Collette in Hereditary, this is an unbelievable performance sure to stick in horror fans' minds.
The performance feels at home within this film, which cultivates an unbearably creepy tone throughout. It is all brought alive with a steady handling, with Barker knowing when to make the camera linger on a shot for maximum effectiveness, or how to seed a moment before allowing the impact to knock you out. When a moment centers on the simple contents of a love note, the realisation of what it meant made this reviewer's blood run cold.
What's astounding is the immaculate handling of tone, ensuring that comedic inclusions still make an impact no matter how unsettling things may get. A moment where Bear is disbelieved by his best friend has one of the best punchlines in recent memory. The standout example of these tones meshing occurs in a party scene, moving in the blink of an eye between comedy, social cringe, and spine-chilling terror while ensuring it all works.
Yet, no matter what laughs may come, it does not slow down the escalating intensity which ramps up across the film. Once it enters the third-act, things become terrifying as all bets are off, particularly when moments of gore burst alive in unforgettable ways. There is fun to be had as this film goes for broke, but there is no doubt that any survivors will be irrevocably changed by the distressing events. As the tagline reads for 1974's The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left Of Them?
Make no mistake, Curry Barker is the real deal, and Obsession will be one unforgettable first impression to many audiences. An unforgiving look at control within a relationship, this is a terrifying work which leaves an indelible mark on viewers.
Obsession is available in cinemas now
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