Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 FOCUS FEATURES LLC
The 2026 horror movie Obsession, written and directed by Curry Barker, leans into a simple but dangerous premise: be careful what you wish for. Built around the mysterious “One Wish Willow,” the film follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a music store employee who makes a supernatural wish to win over his crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette), only to discover that some desires come with a dark and irreversible cost.
It’s a concept rooted in control, not love, and Obsession makes that clear early.
From the jump, the film establishes its rules. The wish is permanent. The consequences are real. And the warning signs are there… even if ignored. What unfolds is less a traditional horror story and more a twisted, sadistic love story built on obsession, codependency and emotional manipulation.
Inde Navarrette Completely Owns the Film
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 FOCUS FEATURES LLC
Inde Navarrette is the absolute standout.
Her performance as Nikki is the driving force behind Obsession. Once her character shifts, the film transforms. She becomes unpredictable, unhinged and deeply unsettling in a way that keeps you locked in, even when the story itself struggles.
There’s a constant tension in every scene she’s in. She moves between personalities with chaotic precision, flipping from vulnerable to terrifying in seconds. It’s the kind of performance that feels dangerous, like something is always about to go wrong.
The best way to describe her presence is simple: it’s like being around a toxic person where you know at any moment they’re going to destroy the vibe. With Nikki, it’s not just ruining the moment, it’s completely unraveling everything around her.
Possessed and obsessed isn’t just a theme here. It’s the identity of the film.
A “Nice Guy” Horror Story That Doesn’t Fully Land
At the center of the story is Bear, played by Michael Johnston, a character meant to embody a darker twist on the “nice guy” archetype.
On paper, it works. Bear is both victim and predator. He’s driven by loneliness but ultimately makes a selfish decision that strips Nikki of her autonomy. It’s desperate behavior disguised as love, a “be careful what you wish for” narrative that should hit hard.
But it doesn’t fully land.
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 FOCUS FEATURES LLC
There’s not much to Bear beyond his desire, and the film doesn’t always give enough clarity around his motivations or emotional depth. At times, he feels more like a concept than a fully realized character.
And that creates a disconnect.
I never fully empathized with him. The moments where you should feel for him are constantly undercut by his actions and dialogue. He’s caught between doing what’s right and giving into his own selfish desires, but more often than not, he chooses himself. Even when he gets what he wants, he has no idea how to handle it.
That internal conflict is there, but it never fully clicks.
Visual Style and Atmosphere Do the Heavy Lifting
Where Obsession truly shines is in its visual approach.
The film uses a 4:3 aspect ratio, creating a boxed-in, claustrophobic feel that works incredibly well for the story. It makes everything feel tighter, more personal and more uncomfortable, like you’re trapped inside this situation with the characters.
The low-key lighting and shadow work are standout elements. The dark aura surrounding Nikki, combined with shadow overlays, adds a layer of visual storytelling that enhances her presence. There’s a constant atmospheric dread in every scene she’s in.
Some of the editing choices and shot compositions are genuinely impressive, especially in low-light sequences. The film also delivers a few effective jump scares and leans into brutal, sometimes gross horror moments.
The sound design adds to that intensity. High-pitched yelling, aggressive knocking and chaotic noise make certain scenes feel overwhelming in a way that mirrors the psychological breakdown happening on screen.
Messy Execution With Flashes of Potential
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2026 FOCUS FEATURES LLC
The film is not consistent.
The dialogue is often questionable, feeling forced or unnatural in moments that need emotional weight. Supporting performances vary, with Cooper Tomlinson offering a few moments of humor and grounded perspective, while Andy Richter adds brief tonal contrast.
There are also technical moments that break immersion, including an obvious body double in one scene.
At times, the film feels rough and uneven, with choices that don’t always make sense narratively or tonally.
And yet, there’s something here.
At its core, Obsession is a sadistic love story about control, codependency and emotional instability. It explores how unhealthy relationships can spiral into something destructive. It just doesn’t always connect those ideas cleanly.
Game Over? Not Even Close
Obsession is messy, chaotic and at times unintentionally funny, but it’s also memorable.
Inde Navarrette delivers a performance that elevates everything around her. The visual style shows real promise. And the core concept, a love story turned psychological nightmare, is compelling.
It doesn’t fully come together, but it’s never boring.
Obsession (2026) in theaters on May 15, 2026
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I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.
