* This article contains spoilers

Directed by YouTuber Curry Barker, the film initially unfolds as a romantic story. Bear (Michael Johnston), a music store employee, secretly loves his colleague Nikki (Inde Navarrette) but lacks the courage to confess his feelings. After missing an opportunity for a date, Bear visits a mystical items shop and buys a "One Wish Willow", believing this item can make wishes come true. He then wishes for Nikki to love him more than anyone else in the world.

Lead actress Nikki in "Obsession". The film has grossed over 400 million USD globally against a budget of 750,000 USD. Domestically, the film is rated for viewers aged 18 and older (18+). Photo: Blumhouse Production

Lead actress Nikki in "Obsession". The film has grossed over 400 million USD globally against a budget of 750,000 USD. Domestically, the film is rated for viewers aged 18 and older (18+). Photo: Blumhouse Production

However, this romantic premise is merely a trap set by the director before the narrative shifts to a darker tone. Nikki’s affection gradually becomes distorted, while Bear's possessive nature, hidden beneath a gentle exterior, is revealed.

Instead of relying on jump scares, Curry Barker builds a sense of unease through dim lighting and framing. Each time Nikki appears, her vacant eyes and gestures signal something abnormal. At times, Nikki is tender and considerate, like an ideal partner. Yet, she then engages in extreme actions to prove her love. This constant shift between two states makes the character far more terrifying than typical demonic possession tropes.

According to NBC News, the highlight of "Obsession" lies in its exploration of the adage, "Be careful what you wish for", a common theme in folklore. The film's "monster" is not a specific entity but human desire when it oversteps its boundaries. Bear's wish does not create love; it only makes Nikki infatuated with him.

Initially, Bear reassures himself and tries to justify his girlfriend's strange actions. However, upon discovering Nikki is still conscious and desperately wants to be free, he intentionally ignores the truth, unwilling to lose her. From a victim, he becomes an accomplice to the tragedy. Beyond the layer of a toxic relationship, "Obsession" alludes to an infatuation that can lead to jealousy and fear of abandonment. The director amplifies these emotions to an extreme, making them the source of manipulation and violence.

Bear sought the wish because he lacked the courage to express his feelings to Nikki. Although a connection had begun to form between them through many conversations, he chose the shortest path to get what he desired. In the latter half, the film's pace quickens as a series of events spiral out of control. The director constantly twists the story, making it difficult for viewers to predict the next development.

The crew utilized multi-layered framing and distances between characters to create a suffocating atmosphere. Photo: Blumhouse Production

The crew utilized multi-layered framing and distances between characters to create a suffocating atmosphere. Photo: Blumhouse Production

The performances of the two lead actors are crucial in maintaining the film's rhythm. Inde Navarrette, in particular, received critical acclaim for continuously shifting between sweet and terrifying states. According to Variety, Navarrette's movements and pauses in dialogue clarify the character's instability. Many film critics consider Nikki her most impressive role to date.

Michael Johnston successfully conveys the cowardice hidden beneath a gentle demeanor. Director Curry Barker primarily tells the story from Bear's perspective, compelling the audience to follow the character from the moment he recognizes the consequences yet still refuses to relinquish his possessiveness over his girlfriend.

According to script Magazine, "Obsession" leaves a lasting impression not only due to its unsettling elements but also its message about attachment, allowing the project to transcend the confines of the horror genre. Not every relationship needs to become love. Sometimes, genuine friendship is also a form of affection.

Despite its strengths, the film has some limitations. The ending dedicates significant time to explaining the wish's origin, while telling the story primarily from Bear's viewpoint may leave audiences feeling unsatisfied. On Rotten Tomatoes, some viewers suggest the script would be more compelling if it explored Nikki's experience.

Cat Tien