Obsession (Full Review)

As a horror fan, I have to say that this year has been one of the greatest years for horror films, and it’s not even close. We are now in this new era where the horror genre is finally getting recognized as one of the greatest genres to ever exist. Hearing the news that the month of May has had the highest amount of people going to the movies since the pandemic is great to hear. There has always been talk about whether the movie theater experience is dying, but it is more alive than ever. There is no doubt that it is because of movies like Obsession. Directed by Curry Barker, Obsession is starting a movement. A movie that has attracted the general audience and horror fans alike. It is a frenzy as it breaks several records and making headlines everywhere. The huge success is because the movie is entertaining, original, and has great themes. That and a combination of great scares, direction, score, cinematography, and out-of-this-world performances. Obsession is not only a great horror film; it is truly one of the best horror films that has come out in decades. There is so much to love about this movie, and all the discussions people are having have been intoxicating and engaging. I’m obsessed with Obsession, and you should be too.

We have to talk about Curry Barker’s incredible journey. Going to film school, he has met his partner in crime in his filmmaking journey. His best friend, Cooper, and he have been making shorts, skits, and features for years. Every video they have created was meticulously crafted and well executed. Hitting huge popularity with Milk and Serial, a found footage full-length feature on YouTube, they have found their calling in the horror genre. It is amazing and inspiring to see these two work so well together and what they were able to accomplish. This duo has always been amazing together, and there is no surprise that they were able to make magic happen once again. Curry is also a director that balances comedy and horror so well and seems to be a veteran already in his own craft. From YouTube to the big screen, he is able to craft incredible stories that hit hard and stay with you. Whether that is making you laugh or being scared by the horrors. Obsession blends these two genres and effortlessly tells a cautionary tale along the way. Not only that, Obsession is molded by deeper, complex themes and topics that are extremely important. The movie entertains the audience in many ways, but it also shows digs deep into toxic relationships, body autonomy, free will, and consent. Obsession is not love nor romance. Male insecurity and fear of rejection are the catalyst that set of this unfortunate event that occurs in the film. The curse is not the One Wish Willow; the curse is and always was the wish itself. A moral story of right and wrong, Bear is without a doubt the villain of the story. The story takes you on a journey that is unforgettable.

The captivating nature of the story is greatly enhanced by the exceptional performances of the cast. Michael Johnston delivers a brilliant portrayal of Bear, a character who navigates the complexities of being both a “nice” individual and a harbinger of insidious personas. The audience is drawn into a profound emotional rollercoaster, experiencing a mix of empathy and animosity towards Bear. Inde Navarrette’s performance as Nikki stands as a testament to the power of acting. Her portrayal is widely regarded as one of the finest performances in recent history. Navarrette’s remarkable range and unwavering commitment to the role elevate her to extraordinary heights. Her fearless approach and uninhibited expression allow her to transcend conventional boundaries and deliver performances that leave audiences mind blown. Nikki embodies a complex character, grappling with a harrowing curse that transforms her into many diverse versions of herself. Her portrayal has a captivating blend of charisma, hauntingness, and terrifying. With deep layers of sadness, suffering, desperation and vulnerability. Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless round out the exceptional cast. Tomlinson’s portrayal of Cooper, a loyal yet flawed friend, adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. His portrayal avoids the pitfalls of one-dimensionality, creating the character with a ton of energy that will connect with audiences. Megan Lawless’s performance as Sarah complements the ensemble seamlessly. Her portrayal of a sweet, relatable, and kind friend was truly felt. She deserves the world and that is all that I will say. Having a character like her in this movie made it feel less bleak and that’s always great to have in a movie.

Overall, Curry Barker is able to craft a movie that will be cemented as one of the biggest successes not only in the horror genre but filmmaking as a whole. Obsession opens doors for the genre but also inspires future filmmakers. I am inspired by this movie. It shows that following your dreams and passions can lead you to achieving them. This is also teaching the industry that they can take chances on new filmmakers and take chances on original stories as well. This isn’t a franchise or a sequel; Obsession is an original idea that took the theaters by storm, and people connected with it. It shows that people want the weird, crazy, and important stories that take risks. The movie is bold. It has a lot to say, and people are really getting the message. It never treats the audience as dumb. They even lean on tropes and advert expectations when the movie takes a sharp turn in a different direction. It is filled with great performances and a cast that had great chemistry with each other. Not to mention the amazing use of tension and dread. It feels like the movie progressively becomes more anxious-inducing and leads to this explosive third act. People haven’t stopped talking about this movie since it hit the festival circuit, and for good reason. I’m extremely excited to see what this director does with their next film, which is shot already. Plus, a new adaptation to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise will be coming from Curry as well. Obsession is one of those movies that makes me happy to know that the future of filmmaking is in capable hands.

Rating: 100/100