Sketch comedian turned horror filmmaker Curry Barker (Milk & Serial) wrings blood-curdling terror from a classic Monkey’s Paw wish fulfillment scenario in Obsession. A simple, well-trodden concept transforms into a shocking and unsettling descent into abject horror in Barker’s capable hands, ensuring that his latest is destined to become horror’s latest, well, obsession. It certainly helps that it’s anchored by one potently nightmarish key performance.
The foolish wish maker in Obsession is Bear (Michael Johnston), a shy, sensitive type whose closest friends are his co-workers at a music store. He’s been trying to confess his enduring love for childhood friend and co-worker Nikki (Inde Navarrette), but can’t seem to work up the nerve. He makes a stop at a specialty shop before the latest group meeting, armed with intentions to finally make a move. Instead, Bear makes a casual but wistful wish on a novelty item, unaware that it’s a supernatural token with the ability to grant his heart’s desire. It works, and Nikki instantly changes her entire personality as lovesickness takes root.
Inde Navarrette quickly becomes Obsession‘s not-so-secret weapon in this increasingly disturbing masterclass of wish-fulfillment horror. Early introductions to the core characters present a crystal clear picture of Nikki as feisty, independent, and uninterested in Bear beyond their platonic friendship. But where Navarrette truly impresses is her disturbing portrayal post-wish. At first, Nikki seems caught in a manic breakdown, unsettling in itself, but that slowly gives way to more sinister behaviors as it becomes clear that Nikki isn’t Nikki anymore. Worse, the real Nikki occasionally breaks through the hollow, lovestricken shell.
Barker amplifies Nikki’s erratic and increasingly violent behavior with chilling atmospherics and smart direction. Obsession is one freaky movie, especially in the night sequences that see Barker turn his romantic lead into a boogeyman for Bear. It’s often here that Barker obscures Nikki’s face as she utters eerie things, leaving you squinting and questioning whether there’s something inhuman lurking in the dark. Barker also dials up the violence to a shocking degree, offering a variety of scare tactics and off-kilter humor to keep you on your toes.
It’s the type of brilliantly executed horror that could coast by on its ability to send shivers down your spine, but Barker ensures Obsession has substance, too. Framing the story entirely from the nice guy who is, ultimately, a morally bankrupt perpetrator, mines new ground in the well-trodden concept. Bear is the type to buy into his own lies, refusing to acknowledge his complicity in swapping out Nikki’s soul with something other, all for the sake of reciprocation. He’s so likable that it’s too easy to go along with him, at least to a certain point. Barker dangles the carrot of introspection and redemption throughout, opening up discussions of morality, autonomy, and consent. He doesn’t let any of his characters off the hook.
Obsession takes you on a wild ride. While Monkey’s Paw scenarios often yield predictable outcomes, and this outcome is practically telegraphed from the start, Barker manages to surprise with the journey itself. And it’s one insane journey paved with blood-soaked violence and no shortage of nightmare fuel. Barker acknowledges other wish-fulfillment horror, like Wishmaster in a throwaway line, but puts his stamp on the niche subgenre with frightening flair.
Obsession made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Release TBD.