SouthernWorldwide.com – Have you ever intensely desired someone who didn’t reciprocate your feelings? Did you ever wish they would love you back?
If the new horror film “Obsession” teaches us anything, it’s a cautionary tale: be careful what you wish for.
This latest offering from the prolific horror production company Blumhouse centers on Bear (Michael Johnston), who is deeply infatuated with his childhood friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Both work at a music store alongside their friends Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and Sarah (Megan Lawless). Despite his best efforts, Bear is too shy to confess his feelings to Nikki.
One day, while shopping for a replacement crystal necklace for Nikki at a mystic shop, Bear discovers a peculiar novelty item called the “One Wish Willow.” For a mere $6.99, it promises to grant one wish upon breaking a piece of its painted willow in half.
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Although he initially intends to buy it for Nikki, Bear ultimately decides to use it on himself. He whispers, “I wish Nikki Freeman loved me more than anyone in the entire world,” before snapping the willow in two.
The wish is granted almost immediately, but Bear soon realizes he might have received more than he bargained for. Nikki’s newfound affection is evident, ranging from intimate gestures to waking him up with breakfast. However, Bear can’t ignore her increasingly unsettling behavior.
Nikki’s actions escalate to disturbing levels, including staring at him while he sleeps and experiencing sudden, intense mood swings. The situation becomes truly alarming when Bear witnesses what she does to his pet cat, Sandy.
“Obsession” doesn’t have the advantage of big-name stars to draw audiences, with the exception of Andy Richter, who plays the music store manager. Instead, the film relies heavily on the raw talent of its cast, which it possesses in abundance.
Michael Johnston delivers a commendable performance as the emotionally tormented Bear. However, it is Inde Navarrette who truly shines as the breakout star. Her portrayal of Nikki is beautifully deranged, rivaling Kathy Bates’ iconic performance in “Misery.” Navarrette masterfully navigates the character’s shifts from pure joy to utter agony, from nurturing to sociopathic on a whim, making her a talent to watch.
Writer and director Curry Barker, in his feature film debut, effectively establishes an eerie atmosphere that evokes a welcome throwback to the 1980s and 1990s. His visual prowess is particularly evident in the understated lighting that obscures Nikki’s face, leaving only her wide eyes visible in the shadows, a choice that significantly amplifies the creepiness.
Barker also succeeds in balancing intense dread with a dark, twisted sense of humor. This duality keeps the audience engaged and unsettled simultaneously.
Resembling a macabre fairy tale, “Obsession” serves as a strong opening for the summer movie season, especially for horror enthusiasts. More significantly, it provides a powerful platform for Barker as a filmmaker and for the emerging talents of actors Navarrette and Johnston.
The Verdict: ★★★ — STREAM IT LATER
“Obsession” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity. The film has a running time of 1 hour and 48 minutes and is currently in theaters.
