Love is a scary word in writer-director Curry Barker’s new horror film Obsession. With a modest budget, Obsession is set in the simple world of four longtime friends Nikki (played by Inde Navarrette), Bear (played by Michael Johnston), Sarah (played by Megan Lawless), and Ian (played by Cooper Tomlinson) who work in a music store together and navigate young adulthood and an awkward love triangle. Simplicity is a strength in this film. The setting is ordinary- an anywhere town, mundane enough to let the characters feel relatable. The intimate view into their emotions makes the increasing discomfort even more unsettling as things fall apart.
After pining over friend Nikki, Bear- too timid to confess his feelings- wishes for Nikki’s love on a magic object and it becomes a frightening reality. While Nikki changes completely, becoming singularly focused on him, Bear struggles with the guilt and fear of getting his wish in the worst possible way. His lying to Sarah and Ian while trying to preserve the ever-warping fantasy of his relationship begs the question of whose obsession is stronger. Navarrette’s dynamic performance captures Nikki’s scary emotional spiral well, making the character seem truly possessed and. Johnston’s portrayal is one of warning- dishonesty and selfishness at the expense of others- escaping our deep human flaws is more than just a wish away. Lawless and Tomlinson’s portrayal of friends with questionable intentions adds to the creepy atmosphere.
Barker has crafted an enjoyable film for fans of horror with a good balance of jump scares, cringe, dark comedy and light gore. Combined with good performances and casting, Obsession is terrifying fun made all the more disturbing by not being overly fantastical, but a warning about deception and getting exactly what you ask for. See in theaters May 15th. I rate it a (3/4) 🍿
