Obsession – Review

Incredibly simple. Electrifyingly effective. This strategy is definitely how the best horror features are produced, and this film is absolutely terrifying on multiple levels. So, what the hell are we in for here? Obsession is somehow natural, human, emotional, scary, touching, relatable, overwhelming, awkward and in so many ways, soul crushingly raw and real.

The film is best experienced without really knowing what is at stake, or coming. I certainly didn’t know what was headed my way at all, and that was definitely the best experience. Still, here’s your quick little tidbit:

Bear (Johnston) has been captivated by his longtime crush and friend Nikki (Navarrette) for at least seven years. Has finally has plans to ask her out on a drink date. Friend Ian (Tomlinson) isn’t so sure it’s a great idea, but tries to support his timid pal, as long as the ask isn’t on trivia night on Wednesdays.

Nikki herself is a smart, funny and sweet girl who is tiring of their shared work place at their music shop and dreaming of bigger things. Nikki absolutely is happy to be friends with Bear, but does she see him as more than that? And what about their coworker Sarah (Lawless), who may have a little crush on Bear? Bear goes to grab a replacement gift for Nikki, and then sees something odd at the trinket store. Not going say much more, but what happens when SHIT GETS SUPER FUCKED UP?!?!

On top of the simple and stellar concept at play in this horror show, the acting is really the star on display. This film makes it clear: Inde Navarrette is an absolute fucking star, but I gotta stay, Johnston’s stunned gazelle character had to shine a bit too in order to give the film credence and balance as well. Everyone’s character in the small cast had plenty to do with some fairly deep range required, even in the smaller roles. The main duo was asked to carry a ton, but they definitely had help. Navarrette was just so stellar that she deserves a second mention, and hopefully floods of excellent job offers came rolling in since, but again the whole cast was great. The director clearly had a strong hand in keeping them on the rails, but everyone is talented in the crew.

A tight script here delivers an extremely solid structure for the young director Barker to follow. The concept is brought into a realistic focus in the film and brings on such uncomfortable realization. For any guy that has a crush on a girl that just doesn’t feel the same way towards him, do you really want what you can’t have? Certainly not this way. Bring on whatever Curry Barker does next. Honestly, this core idea in Obsession should leave you shook. It’s like a fairy tale!