Never underestimate the appeal of great horror. Writer-director Curry Barker generated significant buzz when Obsession premiered at TIFF in 2025, and that momentum only continued as the film played festivals throughout 2026. Produced on a modest $750,000 budget, the film was acquired by Focus Features for a spring 2026 theatrical release. The studio clearly recognized they had a strong genre title on their hands, but it’s hard to imagine anyone anticipated the phenomenon Obsession would become. The film has grossed more than $400 million worldwide, and even with a VOD release and its arrival on 4K UHD this week, it continues to hold a spot in the box office’s Top 10. It’s an extraordinary achievement that has undoubtedly transformed the careers of Barker and his cast, particularly Inde Navarrette, who delivers a true breakout performance.
Barron “Bear” Bailey (Michael Johnston) has been hopelessly in love with his best friend, Nikki Freeman (Navarrette), for years. The two work together at a local music store alongside their friends Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and Sarah (Megan Lawless). After Nikki loses her treasured tiger’s eye necklace, Bear visits a crystal shop hoping to find a replacement. Instead, he leaves with a novelty item called a “One Wish Willow,” a trinket said to grant a single wish when snapped in half.
When Bear finally gets the chance to confess his feelings, fear gets the better of him. Rather than giving Nikki the gift, he uses it himself, wishing that she would love him more than anyone else in the world. The wish appears to come true almost immediately when Nikki unexpectedly shows up at his house wanting to spend the night. Although something feels unsettlingly different about her, Bear can’t resist the opportunity to finally be with the woman he’s always loved. Before long, Nikki’s increasingly obsessive and erratic behavior begins to alarm not only Bear, but also Ian and Sarah.
Obsession is a classic “be careful what you wish for” tale that plays like an extended episode of The Twilight Zone. Barker, previously best known for his comedic work, makes an impressive leap into horror, much in the way Jordan Peele successfully transitioned from comedy to genre filmmaking. While Barker injects moments of well-timed humor throughout, this is ultimately a dark, unsettling film that steadily builds tension before unleashing its horrors.
As accomplished as Barker proves to be behind the camera, this is unquestionably Navarrette’s film. She commands every scene she’s in, even before Nikki’s transformation begins, and once the story takes its terrifying turn, she becomes utterly mesmerizing. It’s a fearless, charismatic performance that cements her as a rising star, and the film’s remarkable box office success ensures plenty of audiences have taken notice.
Obsession announces Curry Barker as an exciting new voice in horror and showcases Inde Navarrette as a major talent to watch. If this film is any indication, both have incredibly bright futures ahead, and I can’t wait to see what Barker conjures up next.
Bonus Features:
- OBSESSION UNLEASHED – Take the obsession further by going behind the scenes with filmmaker Curry Barker and the cast, Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless, to see them create a wild horror story out of intense performances and shocking scares. Hear the cast reflect on their most memorable scenes, get a peek at Michael and Inde’s chemistry test that sparked the film’s emotional core, and see how their collaboration shaped the film’s most unsettling moments.
- FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR/WRITER/EDITOR CURRY BARKER
