- Director: Curry Barker
- Screenplay: Curry Barker
- Producer: James Harris, Haley Nicole Johnson, Christian Mercuri, Roman Viaris
- Cast: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless
- Cinematography: Taylor Clemens
- Editing: Curry Barker
- Score: Rock Burwell
- Genre: Supernatural horror
- Runtime: 109 minutes
Be careful what you wish for.
Bear, a music store employee, is besotted with his friend and co-worker Nikki. I’m not sure they’d be compatible as a couple; he’s a sensitive soul while she’s insouciant. His infatuation with her leads him to make a purchase from a crystal shop: a One Wish Willow. It’s a twig that, once snapped, grants the buyer’s desire. And as the name suggests, a solitary wish. He wishes for Nikki to love him more than anyone in the world.
The tables turn immediately. Nikki goes from friendzoning Bear to fawning over him in an instant. He’s creeped out; five minutes ago he was unsure if she reciprocated his affections for her, now she’s suggesting they lie in bed together. These intimate feelings are hollow. You might pin the blame on the One Wish Willow but it’s Bear who’s at fault for thinking he could warp a young woman’s free will and disable her autonomy.
A fable of desire, ‘Obsession‘ doubles as a statement about toxic relationships. Bear has plenty of opportunities to split up with the deranged Nikki but doing so could tip her over the edge. Self-harm is not out of the question. She’s as nutty as a fruitcake. He’s stuck in this sham of a union he was responsible for creating. When is the moment you leave, if there is one?
Because the change in personality is instantaneous, there’s no escalation in terms of her mental instability though her actions get more horrid as time goes on. Inde Navarrette gives a superbly unhinged performance as Nikki. However, there came a point where I felt everything that needed to be said had been said. Curry Barker’s career originated on YouTube, making comedy sketches. This movie feels like it’s an idea for a short in a feature length runtime. It’s still professionally made and wholly unpredictable.
In a landscape of horror sequels (‘Scream 7‘, ‘Scary Movie‘), it’s refreshing to see an original concept brought to life. I wish Barker all the best for future films.
My rating: 6 / 10
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