A misconstrued understanding of love forms the terrifying emotional core that underlines Curry Barker’s Obsession. Control, wanting something you don’t truly understand and, fittingly, possession are presented to create something deeply unsettling; where one persons perceivably romantic fantasy is revealed as something ugly and emotionally distressing for another, weaponising moments of social awkwardness and second hand embarrassment to give way to heart-stopping anxiety before exploding unpredictably into scenes of raw intensity. Obsession isn’t the first film to deal with toxic relationships or wishes gone wrong, but it is excellently represented with exceptional performances – particularly from Inde Navarrette – making a strong theatrical debut from Curry Barker.
I wish Nikki Freeman loved me more than anyone in the fucking world
Lacking the self-confidence to express his true feelings to his longtime crush and close friend, Nikki, the hopelessly romantic Bear resolves to make a wish that she love him more than anything else in the world using a mysterious “One Wish Willow”. While you may well be familiar with the idiom “be careful what you wish for,” sadly it would seem this is a lesson the likes of Stephen King have failed to pass on to Bear. This theatrical debut from Curry Barker unnerves at every moment, perfectly balancing the fine line that frequently see’s him shifting between awkward comedy, albeit prone to moments of discomfort, psychological horror and some outright brutal gore, often within the span of the same scene. There is a sense of control here that almost mocks the control forcibly taken away from Nikki because of Bear’s wish while Barker’s brilliant use of framing devices remind you of the uncomfortable dynamic the characters find themselves in, not to mention carving an austere, foreboding sense of dread.
The brilliance of Inde Navarrette’s ability to switch from a formerly normal, young extrovert to clingy and frankly unhinged aside – and it really cannot be overstated enough how impactful her erratic behaviour is! – the true horror of the film comes from the understanding that while Bear perceives himself as a traditional romantic, envisioning a scenario in which Nikki shares his feelings and they have a happily ever after, naïvely seeing his wish as a mere fantasy – he is ignorant of her feelings and, ultimately, her personal life. Tellingly, anything we learn about Nikki – her history and even personality – are told to us, and by extent Bear, by other people in their friendship group. This makes Nikki a voyeuristic character during the events of the film as “Wish-fulfilment Nikki” takes over her body; yet even when his wish is fulfilled, Bear expecting her to love him unconditionally, he struggles to commit let alone reciprocate her “I love yous.” The fantastical nature of this monkey’s paw scenario is far from the most disturbing aspect of Obsession, which instead manages to strike a nerve or two through its otherwise familiar toxic, one-sided relationship and the fragmenting affect this has on Nikki giving the distinct impression that Bear is only interested in the relationship when it is beneficial or convenient for him.
Nikki: Bear?
Bear: I’m just getting water.
Nikki: Kill me, please.
Bear: What?
Nikki: She’s sleeping. It’s me.
Bear: You are you, Nikki.
Nikki: Ssh. Please, don’t wake her up. Just… kill me.
In this regard, Obsession is at its best when it leans more into Nikki’s horrifying experience rather than just relying on the supernatural – those moments where Wish Nikki’s control slips and the real Nikki makes her desperate plea for help or wakes up screaming from her waking nightmare are absolutely unsettling and perfectly compliment the more bombastic and deranged moments. Akin, perhaps, to the experiences felt by the victims in Jordan Peel’s Get Out. Uncomfortable, emotionally distressing and simultaneously compelling and upsetting, this nightmarish exploration of modern loneliness, emotional insecurity, coercive control and emotional abuse is a harrowing experience that will haunt you after draining you emotionally.
