‘Obsession’ is Disturbing, Bloody, and Absolutely Brilliant
Be careful what you wish for…We’ve all been told that at some point in our lives. I know that I’ve been told that more times than I can count as I’ve grown up. There have been times when I’ve wished for something that I thought I desperately wanted, or when I was an angsty teenager who would throw out a strong desire for an outcome because of anger. When we lack a properly developed frontal lobe (sorry to anyone under the age of 25), or when we’re reacting on emotion instead of logic, we say or do things that we’ll come to regret. Thankfully, for the most part in these situations, there’s no damage done except for the words that escape our lips. However, what would happen if what we wished for became reality, thanks to a bit of magic outside of our control? Then you’d have your next horror obsession coming to theaters, aptly named Obsession.
Written and directed by Curry Barker, Obsession asks the question, “What would happen if you got exactly what you asked for?” As anyone who grew up watching Disney’s Aladdin knows, wording is everything, which definitely comes back to haunt our protagonist in this Blumhouse Productions film. From the tagline and promotion I saw before seeing this film, the story seemed like any other (highly predictable) horror movie that has recently come out. However, what I wasn’t expecting was walking out of Obsession thinking I might have seen one of the best horror films, period.
Is it time for you to find your next horror obsession? Then let’s dive into what you can expect from this exceptional scary movie.
[Warning: spoilers from Focus Features’ Obsession are below!]
Looking for love in all the wrong places
In typical young adult fashion, Bear (Michael Johnston) is in love with his best friend. While it’s never explicitly stated how old he and Nikki (Inde Navarrette) are, it is established that they have been friends since childhood. While many people tend to outgrow their strong feelings for their friends as they reach adulthood, Bear can’t seem to shake his infatuation with Nikki, although he’s too shy to make a move of any kind. He’s the type of friend who would bend over backward for Nikki, going out of his way to make her life easier, even if it comes as an imposition on his own life.
Perhaps the worst part of the situation is that everyone can clearly see he has feelings for Nikki, as the desperation oozes from every pore. He’s not discreet at all, constantly making situations awkward as he attempts to find the courage to finally tell her how he feels. Although, before he ever does so, he does something totally idiotic. While looking for a crystal for Nikki at a metaphysical store, Bear stumbles on a “One Wish Willow” which promises to grant the user whatever they wish for. However, you only get one wish, so you have to be careful and state exactly what you want.
In a moment of frustration and panic, Bear wishes that Nikki loved him more than anything in the world. Words that he’ll come to regret really quickly. While he technically gets what he wants, it becomes clear rather quickly that there are sinister forces at work. Nikki’s love spirals quickly into obsession, and Bear begins to question if he’s made the right choice. However, when you’re getting your heart’s desire, it can’t be wrong. Right?
Obsession’s blessed with career-defining performances
Obsession is one of those films that completely blindsided me in the best way possible. Going into this film, I didn’t have high hopes, which, in my opinion, is typically the best way to approach horror movies. As someone who watches scary movies regularly, there’s a lot of disappointment in the genre, and for the most part, I’ve just come to accept that. I had not heard much of Obsession prior to my screener, which gave me an absolutely clean slate. What came from that is one of the best horror experiences that I’ve ever seen.
I know that might seem like a bold, perhaps crazy, statement to make when there are so many incredible classic horror films out there. However, I stand by the sentiment, as Obsession is truly a cinematic masterpiece in many ways. Looking just at the story, Obsession is incredibly solid. There isn’t a moment that I wasn’t enjoying myself or trying to poke holes in the plot, which can be half the fun with this genre.
Curry Barker has created a story that strikes an important balance between creepy and hilarious, with comedy that fits perfectly with the horror in Obsession. There are moments where you’re laughing from something genuinely funny, which quickly turns into a nervous laugh as the scene shifts to something more sinister. Including humor also makes the moments of true horror that much more terrifying. There are a few scenes that will absolutely send chills up your spine and send your heart pounding in your chest.
However, the true brilliance of Obsession lies in the actors who breathe life into the film. While this is a true ensemble piece, Obsession centers on the narratives of Bear and Nikki, both of whom are the shining points of this film. Michael Johnston infuses Bear with a nervous energy essential to the story. You need Bear to feel weak, unconfident, and desperate; otherwise, you might question his motive to use the One Wish Willow. It also makes you understand him more, as his actions aren’t meant to be malicious. Instead, you can empathize with him (to some degree) and understand why he might feel compelled to make a wish such as this.
However, where Johnston’s performance is great, Inde Navarrette is exceptional. It’s rare for a performance in a horror film to be recognized as award-winning, but hey, we live in a world where The Substance was nominated and won Academy Awards. Navarrette has set a new standard of what can be for a horror film with easily one of the best performances I’ve seen this year, perhaps even this decade. Her ability to switch between extreme emotions with ease induced chills on more than one occasion.
Final thoughts on this Blumhouse production
Naarrette’s performance alone is the perfect reason to see this film, although it’s not the only reason. Obsession is a fun time for a horror film. You’ll be on the edge of your seat for the entire ride, waiting for the next scare that you know is around the corner. There are so many twists and turns that you never know exactly where the film is going to land, but I promise you, you won’t be disappointed with what is quite possibly a new horror classic in the making.
Obsession arrives in theaters this Friday! Are you excited to see this film? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @bsb.insider to continue the conversation!
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