⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4
Released while I was away on holiday some weeks ago, I finally managed to grab some popcorn, get comfy, and catch up on this one. It has already proved a hit with audiences, easily making its budget back and it deserves the praise received. This is a horror film that is actually good.
The cinematography is dark and moody, helping to build genuine suspense. Backed by solid acting and an atmospheric score, the technical elements really elevate the tension. My only real observation is in the audio mix: while the sound design successfully heightens the scares, it gets incredibly loud at times.
The film’s strength lies heavily in its two leads. Michael Johnston (Bear) and Inde Navarrette (Nikki) are both excellent. The casting here is spot-on, with Navarrette delivering a particularly standout performance. Perfectly portraying her character’s escalating instability.
While the pacing could be a bit tighter, the straightforward story is easy to follow and builds to a proper, classic slasher ending. A shocking final and some jump scares. It is well worth a watch, and it will no doubt be hitting streaming platforms soon.
Written and directed by Curry Barker, Obsession is a supernatural horror film that delivers a gruesome modern twist on “The Monkey’s Paw” fable. The story follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a shy music store employee who uses an occult “One Wish Willow” trinket to make his unrequited crush, Nikki (Inde Navarrette), love him more than anyone else. While his wish is instantly granted, Nikki’s affection rapidly twists into a terrifying, violent, and blood-soaked fixation. As her extreme, possessive behavior threatens their entire friend group, Bear finds himself trapped in a waking nightmare, facing the horrific consequences of stripping away someone’s free will in the name of love.
Online synopsis
Film Rating
Music/Sound
4 out of 5
Story/plot
3.5 out of 5
Acting/Performances
4 out of 5
Overall
4 out of 5
Certification: 18
Running time: 109 minutes
Screening type: 2D
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