Obsession

Obsession is a 108‑minute American supernatural horror that dives into the dark side of wish‑fulfilment. The film’s tagline—“Be careful who you wish for…”—sets the tone right from the start, hinting that a simple desire can spiral into something far more sinister. With a modest $1 million budget, the movie packs a punch that feels bigger than its production numbers.

The story follows Bear, a music‑store employee who’s been crushing on his childhood friend and co‑worker Nikki for years. When a mysterious “One Wish Willow” appears in a new‑age shop, Bear sees the perfect way to finally win her heart. He wishes that Nikki will love him more than anyone else, and the wish is granted—almost immediately. But the price of that wish is steep: Nikki’s affection turns obsessive, and her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and unsettling. The film explores how a wish that seems harmless can quickly turn into a nightmare, all while keeping the audience guessing about what will happen next.

Michael Johnston plays Bear, bringing a mix of earnestness and awkward charm to the role. Inde Navarrette, who was chosen for her “balance between crazy and scary,” portrays Nikki with a compelling blend of vulnerability and menace. The supporting cast—Cooper Tomlinson as Ian, Megan Lawless as Sarah, and Andy Richter—adds depth and humor to the tense atmosphere. The film was written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker, whose previous short, The Chair, already hinted at his knack for blending horror with dark comedy.

Barker’s inspiration came from a Simpsons episode featuring a monkey paw, and he spent over eight months crafting the screenplay. Production wrapped in late 2024, with a polished score by Rock Burwell and a visually striking set designed by Vivian Gray. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness block on September 5, 2025, and has since been picked up by Focus Features for a U.S. theatrical release.

Critics have been overwhelmingly positive: a 96 % approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 78/100 on Metacritic. Reviewers praise the film’s blend of “sadistic violence, ironic needle drops, and comedy,” noting that it feels both disturbing and entertaining. Fans of supernatural horror, wish‑granting tropes, and dark romantic thrillers will find plenty to love. Those who shy away from intense psychological horror or unsettling themes might find the film a bit too intense.

Overall, Obsession offers a fresh take on the classic monkey‑paw narrative, delivering a tense, atmospheric experience that lingers long after the credits roll.