Verdict: 3.5/5
If you’re in the same online horror-spheres as I am, ‘Obsession’ is all over your feeds. Written and directed by YouTuber and short-film maker, Curry Barker, this psychological thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat purely because you don’t know what direction the movie will take.
The story centres on Bear, a hopeless romantic who is in love with his close friend Nikki. After using the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to make a wish and win her heart, Bear finds he got exactly what he asked for. What starts as a seemingly perfect romance, takes dark, twisted and gory turns, and reminds us all to be careful what we wish for.
I wanted to see this film because A) I knew it was meant to be scary, and B) because everyone online is talking about it.
So far it’s one of the most profitable movies of the year, making over $74 million worldwide, having been made on a budget of just $750,000. I think what’s clever about this film is how unsure the viewer is of what’s about to happen at any given moment.
The spell Nikki is placed under makes her act in impulsive and erratic ways, affecting not only Bear but the people around them. Her actions are unhinged and scary, creating an extreme tension throughout almost the entire film.
The actress who plays Nikki, Inde Navarrette, is simply amazing at her craft and her portrayal gave me genuine goose bumps. Michael Johnston, the actor who plays Bear, gives an excellent performance as the lovesick, unrequited lover of a main character. The two blend together creating a dynamic of trauma and coercive control, entertaining and scaring movie goers.
This is a great film to watch on a Friday night in a full theatre. Audience reaction is part of the fun with film like this, and helps to build the atmosphere as you all take on the scares together. There were many gasps and screams in my session, with many people getting up to leave, and one woman openly sobbing.
Despite it being incredibly spine-tingling and unsettling, I would recommend this film if you’re looking for a good scare. It keeps you thinking about it long after you’ve left the theatre, which is always a win in my book.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
