Obsession - A Movie Review

Be careful about your wishes. 

"Obsession" hit theaters in 2026. Baron “Bear” really likes Nikki, but he has no idea how to tell her. He makes a wish on a store-bought One-Wish Willow that his crush would love him. The situation takes a dark turn when Nikki becomes obsessed with Bear, following his every whim and threatening others. 

"Obsession" is a disturbingly well-made film that creeped me out when I saw it in theaters. Horror is back! This creepy film masters horror, terrifying performances, and skillful editing. This film alone warns you of the wishes you make. 

The more details I have looked up about Bear’s (Michael Johnston) behavior, the more toxic and problematic he becomes. He fully takes advantage of the situation, not caring about consent or how to help Nikki. Although frightened by Nikki’s actions, Bear doesn’t do much to help the situation unless it benefits him. 

Michael Johnston’s performance should not be overshadowed. Johnson does a fantastic job playing the character’s reactions. He is so natural in his terror. The scene where he discovers the taped door is an impressive delivery of his character’s frightened countenance. 

Where to start with Inde Navarrette as Nikki? This whole review could focus on Navarrette’s magnificent performance and how she adds several hidden, subtle layers to the character. She plays two versions of Nikki: a fun, outgoing person and the psychotic “One-Wish” side. 

Her inhuman behavior was unnerving and made me go back into my seat. To dissect this character, Navarrette said she studied all the ugly parts to make One-Wish Nikki inhuman and disturbing. I cannot wait to see what else Navarrette does.

Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless cannot be forgotten as Ian and Sarah. These characters have more depth than you realize. There’s a lot to study in the quartet's interactions, especially with how they lack communication.

Curry Barker is a newcomer filmmaker. He has made short films on YouTube, including “The Chair” (2023) and “Milk & Serial.” Inspiration for Obsession struck from episodes of “The Simpsons” and “Goosebumps.”

Filming lasted 20 days. Barker’s style and direction are impeccable in each scene. A small budget of 750,000 did not stop Barker. It only enhanced the film, creating spontaneous moments that made the film all the more chilling than Barker’s initial vision. 

The horror relies on quiet unease, allowing its tension to build naturally. The lighting and music are off-putting. Equally impressive is the film’s editing. It doesn’t reveal the tension. Scenes unfold naturally, making viewers shiver more and more with each revelation. 

Subtly is Barker’s main ingredient. The screenplay plants ideas so subtly that audiences may not recognize their importance until much later. Nikki’s character has several clues that make a second watch feel like a whole new experience. 

The only issue I had with the film was the ending. It’s a horror ending for sure, but I didn’t like the bleak message about insinuations to end someone’s life. Themes about death are not the message to inflict on viewers, especially young adults. 

I am so used to horror movies by this point, but I had a different reaction to “Obsession.” “Obsession” creeped me out to the max. I was afraid to look at the screen, waiting for any jump scares. Ever since seeing it, I have not been able to stop thinking about it. Fans have uncovered hidden layers that make the story and characters all the more off-putting. 

The cinema is the place to watch “Obsession.” It will stream on Peacock on July 17, but see it in cinemas first. The cinema is a whole different experience.